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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might have to put in wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge. Clean up any surface that has rust. replacing upvc window hinges will help keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to grip onto. Removing the Hinges Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how to do it correctly. If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if don't remove the paint. Place the hinges into the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges 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 employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver was created to pick up screws made of steel and can make the work run much more quickly. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some lubricant. A simple lubricant can help the process go by more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops. Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will vary based on the kind of door and the configurations. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three. Understanding the different types of hinges can help you determine which one is suitable for your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to handle lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to solve. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. However, there is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel. Begin 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. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of 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 make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order. You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. You can insert the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches. Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges. Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take about 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they start to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse cause threads to be stripped. If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge. The screws can also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb. Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be an issue. If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The friction created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on a door. Check the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion. Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. It is possible to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can buy them online, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores. A shim may be made of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the position. Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight spots.