Loose Hinge Repair
Doors and Windows, Interior, Repairs and Installation, Tools & Hardware, Video by Danny Lipford
Sagging doors are often the result of loose hinges caused by hinge screws that don’t bite into the door jamb. A quick fix for this problem is to fill in the door jamb’s so the screw will remain secure. To do that, we used a wooden golf tee. We coat it with glue and tap it into the hole. Once the tee is snug we score it with a utility knife and break it off flush. Now we can replace the hinge and screw so they’re tight and secure. No more sagging door.
May 19th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
wouldnt a better remedy be to remove the screw to the inside of the jamb [ closest to the door stop ] and replace it with a 2″ or 3″ screw . grabber gold screws work excellent for this and match most stock hardware. this also allows you to anchor the door slab to the jack in the rough opening and not just the jamb. i like to complete this process by also running a 2″ screw into the slab itself in place of the corresponding short screw in the hinge. when setting new doors i always do this on the top and bottom hinge.
Allen Says:May 22nd, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Unless the door is sagging, I usually like to simply use some toothpicks instead of a golf tee. They do the same thing and it’s easier to snap them off flush. However, in the case of a sagging door, I’m 100% with you, Lester. I always use a 3″ screw and anchor into the jack stud. Solves the problem every time. Thanks for a great suggestion!
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hi,
How about door jamb’s made of ndf wood, golf tie anyone?
Also, I can insert a toothpick, length wide -entirely, into the existing holes, so will a golf tie work still?
March 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I would just shut the door and give it a running kick so that it would blow out the jam, and trim, thus having to replace the whole door, jam, hardware, and most of the trim, to hell with your stupid tee and toothpick trick!