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How to Fix a Stripped Door Hinge (That Actually Stays Tight)

Stripped door hinges are one of the most common, and annoying problems for homeowners. Whether it’s a sagging interior door or an exterior door that won’t close right, this guide shows you exactly how to fix a stripped door hinge using simple tools and foolproof techniques.

We’ll walk through how to fill the stripped hole, what works best for different doors, and the right way to secure the hinge so it holds for good.

  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time Required: 5–20 minutes per door
  • Skill Level: First-time DIYers welcome
  • Tools Needed: Drill or Screwdriver

Tools & Materials

Tools

  • Cordless drill or screwdriver — for removing and reinstalling hinge screws
  • Pencil — for marking screw hole positions
  • Tape measure — for checking screw depth if needed
  • Multi-tool or flush-cut saw — to trim dowels flush with the jamb
  • Utility knife or chisel — optional, for fine adjustments around the hinge

Materials

  • Wood glue or superglue — for securing dowels (or golf tees) inside stripped holes
  • Wooden golf tees — used as dowels to refill stripped screw holes (we’ve found these are the perfect size for most home door jambs)
  • Drywall anchors — for securing hinges on lightweight interior doors (ribbed anchors work best)
  • Wood screws — for reinstalling the door hinge
  • Painter’s tape — optional, to protect the jamb during cutting

→ Door Hinge Essentials

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Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Remove the Hinge Screws and Inspect the Holes

  • Use a cordless drill or screwdriver to remove the loose screws from the stripped hinge.
  • Check the screw holes, you’ll likely see that they’re worn, soft, or oversized.
  • If the door has sagged or rubbed, leave it off the hinges while you work.

Pro Tip: Take note if the door is hollow-core or solid — this will affect which fix works best.

2. Choose Your Fix Based on the Door Type

  • For Standard or Solid Core Doors:
    Use wooden golf tees as dowels. This gives you a solid wood plug that bonds tight inside the jamb.
  • For Lightweight Hollow-Core Interior Doors:
    You can use ribbed drywall anchors. They expand into the jamb or door material and lock in place.

Important: Drywall anchors don’t work as well on solid-core or exterior doors. Always default to wood plugs for heavy doors.

3. Fill the Stripped Holes

If You’re Using Golf Tees (We’ve found this works best for Most Doors):

  • Apply a small amount of wood glue or superglue to the tip of a wooden golf tee.
  • Insert the tee fully into the stripped hole.
  • Let the glue set for 5–10 minutes.
  • Use a multi-tool or flush-cut saw to trim the tee flush with the door jamb.
  • Lightly sand if needed for a flush surface.

If You’re Using Drywall Anchors (For Lightweight Doors):

  • Insert the drywall anchor into the stripped hole.
  • Use a hammer to gently tap it until it locks in place, don’t overtighten.
  • Make sure the anchor sits flush with the wood surface.

4. Pre-Drill New Screw Holes (Optional but Recommended)

  • Use a small drill bit to create a pilot hole in the center of each plugged hole.
  • This helps prevent splitting and makes screw installation easier and prevents splits in the door jamb.

5. Reinstall the Hinge and Tighten the Screws

  • Position the hinge in place over your newly fixed holes.
  • Drive your screws in firmly. If done right, they should bite tightly into the wood or anchor.
  • Check that the hinge sits flush with the jamb.

6. Test the Door for Fit and Function

  • Hang the door and swing it open and closed.
  • If it sticks slightly, loosen a screw and adjust the hinge slightly before tightening again.
  • Confirm everything feels tight and secure.

✅ Done — you’ve fixed that stripped door hinge with a lasting solution.

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Pro Tips

✅ Pro Tips

✅ Use wooden golf tees instead of dowel rods
They’re the perfect size, easy to glue, and dense enough to hold screws securely — no special tools required.

✅ Pre-drill whenever possible
Even after filling the hole, pre-drilling helps center the screw and prevent splitting. It also makes the screw grab easier on the first try.

✅ Drywall anchors work in a pinch
If you’re dealing with a hollow-core door or cheap trim, drywall anchors can give you just enough bite to keep a hinge from pulling out again.

✅ Add wood glue if using anchors on soft jambs
A dab of glue on the outside of an anchor can help it lock into soft wood without spinning.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Reinstalling screws without fixing the hole
Driving a screw into a stripped hole (even with a longer screw) is a temporary fix at best. It could fail again fast.

❌ Overtightening into a plug or anchor
Cranking down too hard can split the wood plug or strip the anchor again. Stop when the screw feels snug and the hinge sits flush.

❌ Using anchors on heavy or exterior doors
Drywall anchors aren’t designed for heavy-duty support. Stick with wood plugs (golf tees or dowels) for anything that carries serious weight.

❌ Skipping the glue on wood plugs
The glue is what bonds the plug to the jamb — don’t skip it. Dry fit is fine for practice but won’t hold over time.

Essentials: What You’ll Need

These tools make caulking maintenance simple, even if it’s your first time handling sealant. Make this job clean, easy, and mess-free with the right gear:

Tools
Cordless drill or screwdriver — for removing and reinstalling hinge screws
Tape measure — to check screw length and alignment
Multi-tool or flush-cut saw — for trimming dowels or golf tees flush with the jamb
Utility knife or chisel — for cleaning up wood edges if needed
Pencil — for marking hinge positions
Sandpaper — to smooth flush cuts before reinstalling

Materials
Wood glue or superglue — bonds the wood plug inside the stripped hole
Wooden golf tees — perfect size and shape for plugging stripped hinge holes
Drywall anchors — works on lightweight interior doors when studs or solid wood aren’t available
Hinge screws — for reattaching the hinge securely after fixing the hole
Painter’s tape — optional, to protect trim when cutting flush

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