How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Doors should swing silently and sit square in their frames. When a door starts to sag, drag on the floor, or fail to latch properly, the culprit is almost always a loose hinge screw that has chewed through the wood of the door jamb. Fixing this is a fundamental skill for any homeowner. You are essentially restoring the structural integrity of the wood fibers so the screws can bite firmly again. When done correctly, the hinge will hold tight for years, and the door will operate as smoothly as the day it was hung.

1. Spot the Stripped Screw. Open the door and inspect the hinges for movement. Use a screwdriver to see if the screws spin in place without biting, which confirms the wood threads are stripped.
2. Support and Unscrew. Support the weight of the door with a wedge or a helper so it does not pull away when the hinge is disconnected. Unscrew the mounting screws from the door jamb side only.
3. Pack Holes with Glue. Dip wooden toothpicks or wooden matchsticks into wood glue. Stuff as many as you can into the stripped screw hole until it is packed tight, then break them off flush with the surface.
4. Shave Flush and Flat. Use a sharp utility knife or chisel to trim the protruding ends of the toothpicks so they are perfectly flush with the jamb surface. Ensure the area is flat so the hinge plate sits flush.
5. Screw Down Tight. Align the hinge with your pencil marks from step two. Drive the original screws (or new, slightly longer ones) into the newly filled holes until firm.
6. Test the Swing. Remove the door support and operate the door. It should swing freely without rubbing against the frame or the strike plate.