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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may require wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the door hinge. Brush away any surface that has rust. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip onto. Take the Hinges off Many hinges for doors 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 if necessary. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with patience, though you do have to know how to do it right. If the hinges have been painted, you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove. Once the pins are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the frame and door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up screws made of metal 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 allow you accelerate the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant is able to be found at most hardware stores and home improvement stores. You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary depending on the door's type and its setting. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only require two or three hinges. Understanding the various types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to slide or hang crookedly. It could be a huge problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. A simple tightening can solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to fix. There is a trick to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel. Start by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8”). Then, you can use a wood glue as well as a dowel made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct. Another option is to use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to set up. You can tap in the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well. After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling hinges. After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a 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 coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could do a few simple repairs. Verify that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads. If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge. Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed. If the hinges seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and help keep them in their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life. Cleaning the Hinges The friction caused 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're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. 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 for rust accumulation. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust. The tightening of screws can restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It might be necessary to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been stripped. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in various sizes and lengths. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores. You can also create an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position. Before cleaning hinged door repairs , put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.