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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Repairing a broken door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. But, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Before you do that, however you should clean off any the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into. Remove the Hinges Most hinges on doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off the frame if need be. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with patience, although you need to know how to do it properly. If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. To break the seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins. Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant will help you to speed up the process and make the removal of screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops. You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will differ based on the type of door and the configurations. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three. Understanding the different types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support 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. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will fix the issue. However when the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes once more. Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to have a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct. You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it will take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood. Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge. After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. You should apply a light coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to get into the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads. If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by applying 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 help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge. Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or are missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb. Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's a gap created by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be an issue. If you find that the hinges are loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation. Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust. Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods, which are available in various lengths and diameters. You can purchase them online, in stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers. A shim may be made of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in place. Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.