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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the holes for screws are shattered and do not hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the hinge. Remove any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on. Eliminating the Hinges A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges but you must be aware of 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 don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely 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 are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will aid you in getting the job accomplished much faster. It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help you speed up the process and remove the screws and pins easier. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores. The number of hinges you need will also depend on the kind of door you have, and how it's installed. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three. It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to handle heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to fix. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes again. Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Then, use wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to shut the door slowly to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment. You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. window hinge repair works equally well, but may take a little longer to install. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood. Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw after installing the hinge. Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the barrel of the hinge. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws to the point that they start to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped. If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from moving as you drive them in. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge. The screws could also be stripped or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are installed correctly. If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life. Cleaning the Hinges The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation. Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace them. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion. If you do not want to spend money and time replacing your hinges, simply retightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you have stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in various sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online. A shim may also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place. Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.