Knowing how to fix a door hinge on either an interior or exterior door is something every homeowner should know how to do. Depending on the issue, fixing door hinges is relatively easy to do, and unless you have a cracked hinge or doorframe, any door hinge issues you’re having are easily repaired with a little know-how.

Fixing squeaky door hinges

A squeaky door hinge or two can not only be annoying, but they can also be a sign that hardware is slipping, aging, and/or needs to be replaced. Open your door all the way so you can get a good look at the hinges. As long as they are not cracked, what you’ll probably see are loose hinges that need to be tightened. Additionally, hinges that squeak are usually dirty, need a good cleanup, and they need to be re-lubricated with either WD-40, door grease, or better yet, a silicone lubricant for best longevity.

With the door propped open using a doorstop, begin cleaning each hinge with a rag soaked with alcohol or degreaser to remove all the grime that’s built up over the months or years. After each hinge is sparkling clean, check that each screw (there are usually three per hinge) is tight. If any hinge screw on any one of the three-door hinges is loose, simply tighten it up with a power drill with the right screwdriver attachment.

Finally, with every hinge firmly in place and clean, you can apply your door grease or silicone lubricant—this will ensure that your door’s days of squeaking when opening or closing are over for good.

Repairing hinges that are causing a crooked door

If your interior or exterior door is suddenly off-center, not closing all the way, or is catching when it closes causing you to have to push it shut, the likely culprit is old, loose door hinges and hinge screws. To fix door hinges in this scenario, you will have to remove the door from the door frame. Enlist the help of a friend to hold the door up while you begin removing the hinges from the door first, and be sure you begin with the hinge in the center of the door. Now you can remove the door: set it on a stable, flat surface where it won’t be damaged or scratched.

Next, remove the old hinges from the doorframe. Take all the old hinge screws and toss them: you’ll want to replace these with longer screws, and for added, longer-lasting protection against going crooked again, this time, use screw anchors to install the hinges. You’re going to install the hinges to the doorframe first (using the longer screws and anchors), but first, give the hinges a good, soapy bath, shine them up, make sure they’re bone dry, and then apply a silicone lubricant to the hinge pin area.

Now, you’re ready to reapply the door hinges to the door. Again, with the help of a friend, pull the door up and have your buddy hold it in place as you install the center hinge and hinge screws first. Once the center hinge is screwed in, install the top hinge, and finally, the hinge at the bottom of the door.

With clean, lubricated hinges in the right place on the doorframe and door, everything should now be level, closing smoothly, and without any creaking—and without you needing to shove it closed.