Top Door Hinge Loose

How to tighten stripped hinge screws.

Top door hinge loose.

If the hinge pin falls out. Ask a helper to hold up the door and align the pin barrel on both halves of the hinge. If a door binds open it grasp the knob and lift up to see if a hinge is loose. Tap the tee into the hinge screw hole with a hammer.

If the hinge screws have been loose for only a short time you may need to tighten them with a screwdriver. If one is loose remove two or more screws and try driving in longer screws. Break the tee off even with the bottom of the mortise. Tap the hinge pin back into the door with a hammer at the top of the pin barrel.

First check that the hinge screws are tight. Open the door grasp it by the lock edge and move it up and down. If the hinge and jamb are painted cut the paint around the leaf with a utility knife swing the leaf away from the jamb. If you encounter movement at the hinge screws they need to be retightened.

Remove the loose screws. Test the hinge on the latch side a door is cut at a slight bevel to make it easier to close. Coat a wooden golf tee with glue. Score the tee with a utility knife flush with the mortise.

Remove the screws that hold the loose hinge leaf to the door jamb. Allow the glue to dry. Open the door wide and insert a wedge under the bottom outside corner to level it.