Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Make sure the hinge is really the problem
- Open and close the door slowly and watch the gap around the top and latch side.
- Look for a hinge leaf that is bent, cracked, pulling away from the jamb, or rubbing because the knuckles no longer line up cleanly.
- Tighten any loose hinge screws first, especially on the top hinge, and test the door again.
- If only one hinge is damaged or worn, plan to replace that hinge with a matching one. If all hinges are worn or mismatched, replace them one at a time so the door stays aligned.
If it works: You have confirmed the hinge is damaged or worn, not just loose.
If it doesn’t: If tightening the screws fixes the sag or rubbing, you may not need a new hinge yet.
Stop if:- The wood around the hinge screws is split, soft, or stripped badly enough that screws will not hold.
- The door slab or jamb is cracked, loose, or out of square enough that a hinge swap alone will not correct it.
Step 2: Match the replacement hinge before removing anything
- Measure the old hinge height and width while it is still installed.
- Check whether the hinge corners are square or rounded.
- Match the finish if appearance matters, and make sure the hinge is meant for an interior door.
- Compare the screw hole pattern and confirm the new hinge leaf will sit in the existing mortise without leaving gaps or overhang.
If it works: You have a replacement hinge that matches the old one closely enough to fit the existing cutout.
If it doesn’t: If the new hinge does not match the old mortise or screw pattern, exchange it before taking the door apart.
Stop if:- The replacement hinge is a different size or shape that would require major recutting of the door or jamb and you are not prepared to do that cleanly.
Step 3: Support the door and remove the old hinge
- Close the door until it is almost shut so it is stable but still easy to reach.
- Slide shims under the door until the weight is supported and the reveal around the door looks steady.
- Score any paint line around the hinge with a utility knife.
- Remove the screws from one hinge leaf first, then the other, while keeping one hand on the door so it does not shift unexpectedly.
- If the hinge pin blocks access, tap the pin up gently with a hammer and remove it first.
If it works: The old hinge is off and the door stayed supported in place.
If it doesn’t: If the door shifts, add or adjust shims until the hinge mortises line back up before installing the new hinge.
Stop if:- The door starts dropping, twisting, or pulling hard against the remaining hinges.
- Removing the hinge exposes hidden damage in the jamb or door edge that will not hold new screws securely.
Step 4: Install the new hinge in the existing mortise
- Set the new hinge into the mortise and confirm it sits flat without rocking.
- Start one screw by hand on the jamb side and one on the door side so the hinge stays aligned.
- Install the remaining screws and snug them down evenly without overtightening.
- If the hinge has a removable pin, make sure the knuckles line up and reinstall the pin fully.
- Open and close the door gently a few inches to make sure the hinge moves freely.
If it works: The new hinge is installed flat, the screws are seated, and the hinge moves smoothly.
If it doesn’t: If the hinge will not sit flush, remove it and check for paint buildup, debris, or a mismatch in hinge size or corner style.
Stop if:- The new screws spin without tightening because the wood behind the hinge is stripped or damaged.
Step 5: Fine-tune the fit so the door swings and latches cleanly
- Remove or adjust the shims under the door a little at a time and test the swing.
- Check the gap at the top and along the latch side for a more even reveal.
- Tighten all screws once more after the door weight is back on the hinge.
- If the door still rubs lightly, confirm the other hinges are tight and not bent before blaming the new hinge.
If it works: The door swings without rubbing badly and the latch lines up normally.
If it doesn’t: If the door still sags or binds, inspect the other hinges and the screw holes in the jamb for wear or movement.
Stop if:- The door remains badly out of alignment after the hinge replacement and tightening, which points to additional hinge, jamb, or door-frame problems.
Step 6: Verify the repair in normal use
- Open the door fully and close it several times at normal speed.
- Check that the latch catches without lifting, pushing, or slamming the door.
- Listen for squeaks, scraping, or popping at the new hinge.
- Look again after a day or two of normal use to make sure the screws stayed tight and the hinge did not shift.
If it works: The door opens smoothly, closes cleanly, and the new hinge stays tight in real use.
If it doesn’t: If the door starts sagging again, the likely next issue is stripped screw holes, another bent hinge, or movement in the jamb.
Stop if:- The hinge loosens quickly, the screws pull out, or the door frame moves when the door operates.
Replacement Parts
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FAQ
Can I replace just one interior door hinge?
Yes, if only one hinge is bent, cracked, or worn. Replace one hinge at a time so the door stays aligned. If the other hinges are loose or damaged too, it is usually better to replace them as a set.
How do I know what size hinge to buy?
Measure the old hinge height and width while it is open or installed, and match the corner style and screw pattern as closely as possible. A close match helps the new hinge fit the existing mortise without extra cutting.
What if the new hinge screws will not tighten?
That usually means the wood behind the hinge is stripped or damaged. A new hinge alone will not hold well until the screw holes or surrounding wood are repaired.
Do I need to take the whole door off to replace a hinge?
Usually no. For a single hinge replacement, most homeowners can support the door with shims and swap the hinge in place. Just keep the door stable before removing screws.
Why is the door still sagging after I replaced the hinge?
The problem may be another loose or bent hinge, stripped screw holes, or movement in the jamb. The top hinge is often the main trouble spot, so check it closely.