How to Tighten a Loose Hinge

A loose door hinge will only get worse with wear.

A loose hinge can keep a door from shutting properly and will eventually need to be tightened. Don't neglect it or the wood damage will make the job even more complicated as the loose screws continue to pull more wood out the the hole. Take a few minutes to take the door off its hinges and fix the screws, replacing any missing ones at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Marker
• Hammer
• Screw driver
• Toothpicks
• Wood glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Label each section of the hinges with a piece of the masking tape. Write on it with the marker which part of the door it came from so that there is not confusion later when replacing the hinges.

2. Tap out the pins on the hinges by placing your screwdriver under the upper edge and tapping the back of your screwdriver with the hammer. Pull the pins out and label them with a piece of tape.

3. Pull the door off the hinges and set it aside. Remove the labeled hinges from the door frame as well as the door.

4. Dip toothpicks in the wood glue and break them off, flush with the surface using a pair of scissors. Stick several toothpicks in the holes left by the screws until the hole is filled and the toothpicks are tight. Let the glue dry for at least 30 minutes.

5. Rub each wood screw across a bar of hand soap until you see the soap has filled the grooves. Set them aside.

6. Place the hinge back in its original spot. Poke the tip of the screws into the old screw hole, now filled with toothpicks and screw the hinge back into position. Take the tape labels off the hinges as you attach them.

7. Replace the hinge pin and swing the door to make sure the fit is tight.

References

• Accurate Building Inspectors: How to Repair Loose Door Hinges