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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to put in dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge. Remove any surface that has rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide an adequate base to hold onto. Take the Hinges off Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move a door from one side of the frame to the other or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do. If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins. Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of steel and make the task go much faster. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops. The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the type of door you have, and how it is set up. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges. It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to determine which ones work best in your situation. how much does it cost to replace window hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This could be a problem but is usually easy to fix. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. There is a trick to get the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel. Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8”). Then use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct. Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood. Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling hinges. After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to get into the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge. Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap created by a door that was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are properly installed. If the hinges still seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life. Cleaning the Hinges The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function. Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solutions like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion. Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality If you don't wish to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet. You can also create a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position. Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult places.