How to Fix a Door Hinge?

Fixing a door hinge, especially one that's loose, often involves a few simple steps to reinforce the screw holes. Here's how:

Steps to fix a loose door hinge:

1. Identify the Problem: Determine if the hinge is loose because the screws are stripped. If the screws turn endlessly without tightening, the wood around the screw holes is likely damaged.

2. Simple Tightening (First Attempt): Try tightening the screws first. Sometimes, this is all that's needed.

3. Replace with Longer Screws: If tightening doesn't work, try replacing the existing screws with longer ones of the same diameter. The longer screws will bite into fresh wood deeper in the door frame or door.

4. The Toothpick/Golf Tee Method (For Stripped Holes):

   • Gather toothpicks, wooden skewers, or golf tees and wood glue.
   • Apply wood glue to the toothpicks, skewers or golf tees.
   • Insert them into the stripped screw holes, packing them tightly.
   • Let the glue dry completely.
   • Trim any excess toothpick or golf tee flush with the surface using an oscillating tool, chisel, or flush trim saw.
   • Reinstall the hinge with the original screws.

5. Wood Filler/Dowel Method (More Robust Repair):

   • Purchase wood filler or small wooden dowels that fit snugly in the stripped screw holes.
   • If using wood filler, pack the holes tightly and let it dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   • If using dowels, apply wood glue to the dowels and insert them into the holes. Let the glue dry completely, then trim the dowels flush with the surface.
   • Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screw size before re-installing the hinge screws to prevent the wood from splitting.

6. Hinge Shim (For Alignment Issues): Sometimes, the door isn't aligned properly. In this case, you might need to shim the hinge. This involves placing a thin piece of cardboard or wood behind the hinge to adjust its position.

7. Replace the Hinge (Last Resort): If the hinge itself is damaged or significantly worn, replacing it entirely is the best option.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully fix most door hinge issues.