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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might need to put in dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge. Before you do that, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on. Eliminating the Hinges Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a bit of patience, though you do need to know how do it right. If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it prior to trying to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins. Once the pins are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will help you get the job completed much quicker. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will help you speed up the process and remove the screws and pins easier. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores. The number of hinges required will also differ based on the kind of door you have, and how it's installed. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas 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 best for your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to handle heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to fix. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again. Begin by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Then use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment. Another option is to use the wood plug instead of dowel. This is also a viable option however it will take a bit longer to install. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches. Use a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have installed it. This will stop 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 when installing hinges. After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Verify that the screws that hold 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 too tighten the screws, because this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge. Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge. Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly. If the hinges seem loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges regularly will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , lubrication, and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges that are attached to doors. Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion. If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It might be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. They can be purchased on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers. You can also make an shim using metal or plastic depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole 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 drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult areas.