How to Fix Stripped Door Hinge Screw Holes

Door hinges work hard, but eventually, the constant weight and movement cause the screw holes in the door jamb to wallow out. When your screws spin endlessly without tightening, the door begins to sag, rub against the frame, or fail to latch properly. It is a common frustration, but it is entirely fixable with a few household items. Don't reach for bigger screws, as they rarely solve the root issue of crumbling wood fibers. A successful repair involves restoring the wood's density so the threads have something firm to bite into. When done correctly, your hinge will be as rock-solid as the day it was installed.

1. Safely Lower the Door. Close the door and remove the hinge screws from the jamb side, leaving the hinge attached to the door itself. Have a helper support the door or prop it up with shims so it does not pull away from the remaining hinges.
2. Clear Out Debris. Use a drill bit matching the diameter of your wooden dowels to clean out any jagged or loose wood fibers inside the hole. Vacuum away all dust and debris to ensure a clean surface for the adhesive.
3. Plug With Glued Dowels. Coat a wooden dowel or a bundle of hardwood toothpicks generously in wood glue. Insert them into the stripped hole until it is completely filled and snug.
4. Flush and Smooth. Allow the glue to cure for at least one hour, then use a sharp chisel or a flush-cut saw to trim the excess dowel flush with the surface of the door jamb. Sand the area lightly so it is perfectly level.
5. Drill Pilot Holes. Mark the center of the original hole locations. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the shank of your original screws to create a clean pilot hole in the center of the new wood filler.
6. Drive Screws Home. Align the hinge with the pilot holes and drive the screws back in by hand using a screwdriver. Do not use an impact driver, as you risk stripping the fresh wood immediately.