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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Before you do that though, brush away surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to grip into. Removing the Hinges Many standard door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. It is easy for anyone with patience, although you need to know how do it right. If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off. Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but you should 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 accomplished much faster. It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you to move the process along faster and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops. You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the configurations. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges. Understanding the different types of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time, a door hinge can lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. It could be a huge problem, but the fix is usually simple. Retightening the screw will typically solve the issue. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again. Start by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8”). Then, you can use wood glue and 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. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct. Another option is to just use a wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood. Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw after you are reinstalling the hinge. After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated 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 or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge. The screws could also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge. After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's a gap created by a door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. If the hinges seem 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 pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in place. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life. Cleaning the Hinges The friction caused by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges on a door. Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of 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-removing solution sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust. Retightening screws can help restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. If you have stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet. A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the desired position. Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area is secured then clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. Repair My Windows And Doors can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.