Fix Door Hinge: A Simple Definition How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. However, if the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.

Removal of the Hinges

A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move doors 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 remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from 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 door and frame. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.

It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

upvc door hinge replacement bognor-regis RepairMyWindowsAndDoors should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will vary based on the door's type and its configurations. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges in order to determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will require to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or sag. This can be a problem, but it's usually easy to solve. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a trick to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw after reinstalling the hinge.

After installing the hinge again, you should make sure to lubricate the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. You should apply a light coat and wait for about 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, 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 shifting as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws can also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.


Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be a problem.

If you find that the hinges remain loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could 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 to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust remover to be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could 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 which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.

You can also make an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into 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 you start cleaning the hinges, put down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in tight spaces and crevices.