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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Brush away any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to hold onto. Removal of the Hinges A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off of the frame if need be. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do. If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to 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. Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of steel and can make the work speed up. Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores. You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will differ based on the kind of door and its setting. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three hinges. Understanding the different types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually easy. A simple tightening can solve the problem. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. However, there is a method to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel. Start by drilling out the old hole using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Then, you can use a wood glue as well as a dowel made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct. Another option is to just make use of a wood plug instead of a dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a bit longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks. After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges. Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully reach the barrel of the hinge. Refinishing the Hinges If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. The first step is to make sure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out the threads. If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge. Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb. Close the door after you have reattached your hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed. If you find that the hinges are still loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can 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 attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges that are attached to doors. Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using 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 remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion. Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. window hinge repairs are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in various lengths and sizes. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores. You can also create an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in place. Before cleaning the hinges put down a cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow areas.