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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the hinge. Brush away any surface that has rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on. Removal of the Hinges Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door if necessary. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do. If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Put the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up 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 should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins. Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of steel and make the task speed up. It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and also remove the pins and screws more easily. You can find this type of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores. It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will differ based on the door's type and the setting. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three. It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes, a hinge on a door will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, this may be more difficult. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes once more. Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment. Another option is to use a wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well. Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit 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 much easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges. Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few fixes. The first step is to check that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge. The screws can also be stripped or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly. If you notice that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it, or install a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the functionality and quality of hinges on doors. Check Repair My Windows And Doors for rust accumulation. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion. Retightening screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in various lengths and diameters. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores. A shim may be made of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. 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 the right position. Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.