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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 damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Before you do that though, brush away surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid base for them to grip onto. Remove the Hinges Many standard door hinges 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. 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 before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges 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. After the pins have been loosen then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of metal and make the task run much more quickly. It is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops. You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the kind of door and the setting. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges. Understanding the various types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or sag. This can be a problem, but it's usually easy to repair. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes again. Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 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 still has a tendency to bind and close, then you can add another 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 may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches. Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges. After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few repairs. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws to the point that they create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads. If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your 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 hinge or jamb. Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be 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 installed correctly. If you notice that the hinges are loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically can keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The friction generated by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate over time 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 be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges on doors. Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust is so severe 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, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust. If repair window hinges Repair My Windows And Doors don't wish to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. If you have stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can purchase them online, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement stores. A shim may be made of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the desired position. Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.