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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Before you do this, however, brush away surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on. Take off the Hinges Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do. If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal put the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off. After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and help you get the job accomplished much faster. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores. The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the type of door you have and the way it's set up. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three hinges. It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or slide. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to fix. There is a trick to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel. Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment. Another option is to make use of a wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work just as well but might take a bit longer to set up. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches. Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges. Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this can cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads. If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge. The screws may also be stripped or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge. After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed. If you discover that the hinges are loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can also extend their life. Cleaning the Hinges A hinge's continuous movement causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors. Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust. If you do not want to spend money and time replacing hinges, simply tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've sanded the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers. You can also create a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position. Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.