Loose door hinges are usually a fixing problem, not a hinge problem.
Doors sag because screws no longer grip the timber — especially in older homes where holes have widened over time.
Here’s how to deal with it properly.
The Short Answer
You’ll need:
- A screwdriver or drill driver
- Wooden matchsticks or dowels (sometimes)
- Longer screws if needed
Most hinge problems don’t need new hinges.
Try Tightening the Screws First
Start simple:
- Use the correct screwdriver size
- Tighten gently
- Don’t force stripped screws
If the screw spins without tightening, the hole has lost its grip.
Fixing Worn Screw Holes
If screws won’t hold:
- Remove the screw
- Fill the hole with wooden matchsticks or a small dowel
- Push it flush
- Re-insert the screw
This gives the screw fresh material to bite into.
When to Use Longer Screws
Longer screws can:
- Reach solid timber behind the frame
- Pull hinges back into position
Make sure the screw head still sits flush in the hinge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Replacing hinges unnecessarily
- Over-tightening screws
- Ignoring worn holes
- Using screws that are too short
Loose hinges almost always get worse if ignored.
Final Thought
If a door is sagging, don’t replace parts straight away.
Fix the grip first — most hinge problems are simpler than they look.