Whether it is due to old age or because someone has been hanging on the door, the screws of a door hinge can sometimes break loose and the screw holes get stripped in the process. When this happens the door frame just can’t hold the screws anymore.
To fix stripped screw holes, simply follow these steps from Instructables on repairing stripped screw holes for a door hinge.
- Prepare your materials, including a drill, a 3/8 drill bit, a smaller drill bit, a wooden dowel, a saw to cut the dowel, sandpaper, wood glue, a shop brush, and a screwdriver.
- Cut your dowel into to three pieces, about 1.5 inches each, and smooth the rough cut edges with sandpaper.
- Drill out the old screw holes with your 3/8 drill bit.
- Try to dry fit your wooden dowel into the hole to see if it fits. Make sure it does not move around but should have some space for the wood glue.
- Evenly apply wood glue to the sides of the holes and around your wooden dowel using your shop brush.
- Insert the wooden dowels into the holes, making sure they are level with the rest of the surface and not sticking too far out or in. Carefully clean up the excess glue and any mess with a damp cloth.
- Wait for the glue to dry. The amount of time this takes will depend on the glue you are using. Just follow the instructions on the container.
- Mark and drill new holes for your hinge.
- Reattach the screws to the hinge with your screw driver. Avoid using a power drill that may be too forceful in the future.
