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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 holes for screws have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge. Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto. Removal of the Hinges Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do. If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins. After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of metal and make the task speed up. Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops. Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary depending on the kind of door and its settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three. It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to decide which one will best suit your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges need to be able to support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, this may be more difficult. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes once more. Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8”). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct. You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to set up. You can insert a piece of wood which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't own a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks. Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges. After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply window hinge repair near me of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge. Another common cause of loose hinges is that screws are worn out or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into 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 about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not hung correctly. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed. If the hinges are still loose, you could add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in place. Lubricating your hinges frequently can prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door. Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust. If you don't want to spend the cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers. You can also create an shim using either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the desired position. Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured, proceed to clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult places.