Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the hinge is really the problem
- Open and close the door slowly and watch the hinge side.
- Look for a hinge leaf that is bent, cracked, pulling away from the jamb, or worn enough to let the door sag.
- Check whether the screws are stripped or loose. Sometimes the fix is longer screws into solid framing, not a new hinge.
- Compare the gap around the door. A tight rub at the top latch side often points to hinge wear or movement on the hinge side.
- Buy a replacement that matches the old hinge size, corner shape, finish, and screw hole pattern as closely as possible.
If it works: You have a matching replacement hinge and a clear reason to replace the old one.
If it doesn’t: If the hinge looks sound and the problem is only loose screws, try repairing the screw hold first before replacing the hinge.
Stop if:- The door frame is split, soft, or rotted around the hinge area.
- The door slab is badly warped or dragging from multiple points, which suggests a larger alignment problem.
- The replacement hinge does not match the old hinge closely enough to fit the existing mortise and screw layout.
Step 2: Support the door and protect the area
- Close the door until it is almost shut, leaving just enough room to work at the hinge edge.
- Slide shims under the door near the outer corner until the door feels supported and does not drop when you lift lightly on the handle.
- If paint bridges the hinge edges, score around the hinge with a utility knife.
- Keep one hand on the door as you test the support. The goal is to let the shims carry the weight, not the hinge you are removing.
If it works: The door is stable and supported before any screws come out.
If it doesn’t: Add or adjust shims until the door no longer shifts when you loosen a screw.
Stop if:- The door is too heavy to control safely by yourself.
- The door moves suddenly or drops even with shims in place.
Step 3: Remove the old hinge one leaf at a time
- Start with the damaged hinge only. Leave the other hinges installed so the door stays located.
- Remove the screws from the jamb-side leaf first, then the door-side leaf, while keeping the door supported.
- Lift the old hinge out of the mortise and clean out paint buildup, debris, or splinters so the new hinge can sit flat.
- If a screw spins without backing out, pull gently on the hinge leaf while turning the screw to help it release.
If it works: The old hinge is out and both mortises are clean and ready for the new hinge.
If it doesn’t: If the hinge will not come free because of paint or caulk, score the edges again and work it loose carefully without gouging the wood.
Stop if:- The wood behind the hinge is crumbling, wet, or stripped badly enough that new screws will not hold.
- The mortise is much larger than the replacement hinge and would leave the hinge loose or misaligned.
Step 4: Install the new hinge and seat it flat
- Set the new hinge into the existing mortise and make sure it sits flush without rocking.
- Start all screws by hand a few turns before tightening any of them fully. This helps keep the hinge aligned.
- Tighten the jamb-side screws first, then the door-side screws, snugging them evenly so the hinge leaf stays flat.
- Do not overtighten. Stop when the hinge is secure and the screw heads are seated cleanly.
- If the hinge binds as you tighten, back the screws off slightly, reposition the hinge, and retighten.
If it works: The new hinge is installed flush, secure, and aligned in the mortise.
If it doesn’t: If the hinge will not sit flush, remove it and clear leftover paint or debris from the mortise before trying again.
Stop if:- The new hinge is obviously the wrong size or the screw holes are so far off that the hinge cannot be secured properly.
Step 5: Remove the shims and check door alignment
- Take the shims out slowly and let the door settle onto the hinges.
- Open and close the door several times and watch the gap around the top and latch side.
- Check that the latch lines up with the strike and that the door does not rub the frame or threshold.
- If the door shifted slightly during the repair, loosen the new hinge screws just enough to nudge the door position, then retighten.
If it works: The door swings smoothly and the gaps look even enough for normal operation.
If it doesn’t: If the door still sags or rubs, inspect the other hinges and their screws. Another worn hinge or stripped screw location may also need repair.
Stop if:- The door still drops noticeably after the hinge replacement, suggesting another hinge, the jamb, or the door itself is failing.
Step 6: Verify the repair in real use
- Open the door fully, halfway, and nearly closed to make sure the hinge moves smoothly through the full swing.
- Close and latch the door several times from both inside and outside.
- Check that the weatherstripping compresses evenly and that the door is not springing back open or needing a hard push to latch.
- Look at the new hinge screws once more after a few cycles to make sure none have loosened.
If it works: The door opens, closes, and latches normally, and the new hinge stays tight under real use.
If it doesn’t: If the door works better but still does not close cleanly, inspect the remaining hinges, strike alignment, and frame condition for a second issue.
Stop if:- The hinge area starts splitting, the screws will not stay tight, or the door becomes unsafe to operate.
Replacement Parts
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FAQ
Can I replace just one exterior door hinge?
Yes, if only one hinge is bent, cracked, or worn and the others are still solid. Replace one hinge at a time so the door stays supported and aligned.
Do I need to take the whole door off?
Usually no. For a single hinge replacement, it is often easier and safer to support the door with shims and swap one hinge at a time.
What if the new hinge does not match the old one exactly?
A close match matters. If the size, corner style, or screw pattern is off, the hinge may not sit flush or hold alignment well. It is better to get the correct match than force a poor fit.
Why does the door still sag after I replace the hinge?
Another hinge may also be worn, or the screw holes may be stripped in the jamb. In some cases the frame itself has shifted or the wood around the hinge is damaged.
Should I reuse the old screws?
It is usually better to use the screws that come with the new hinge if they fit properly. If the old screw holes are loose, the issue may need a screw-hold repair before the hinge can stay tight.