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How to Fix a Loose Door HingeFixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. If the screws' holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you could need to use wood glue and dowels to fix the hinge.Before you do that, however scrub away any surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.Take the Hinges offMost hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame if need be. It is easy for anyone with patience, although you have to know how to do it correctly.If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you 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.Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement stores.The number of hinges needed will also depend on what type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three hinges.Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.Reattaching the HingesOver time, the hinges of doors may loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually simple. A simple tightening can resolve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.Begin by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the 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. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.Another option is to just utilize the wood plug instead of dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to set up. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.After reinstalling the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.Refinishing the HingesIf you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.If knowing it is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.Another common cause of loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were put in place properly, this shouldn't be a problem.If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.Cleaning the HingesThe friction created by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the quality of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.If you don't wish to spend the time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in varying lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.A shim may also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight places.