How to Fix a Broken Door Hinge

Updated: Jan. 30, 2023

The right glue is the key replacing door hinges.

FH14FEB_REPHNG_01-2Family Handyman
If the hinge screws have broken out of a particleboard door and taken chunks of the particleboard with them, the right glue can usually fix the damage.

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Replacing door hinges in two simple steps

Repair a broken-out door hinge

replacing door hinges

Photo 1: Prep the damaged area

Chisel out the damaged wood and enlarge the area slightly to give the adhesive more area to grip. Remove all loose chips and blow off any remaining dust. Here is a simple way to recess door hinges using a router.

replacing door hinges

Photo 2: Fill the void with glue

Squeeze in enough glue to fill the broken-out screw holes and coat the cup area. Then press the cup into the opening until the glue oozes out. Drop the screws into the hinge holes and tighten the ones that still have some wood to bite into.

It doesn’t take much of a blow to break hinge screws out of a particleboard door. If the screws just stripped and pulled out cleanly, you could fill the hole with toothpicks and wood glue, then reinstall the screws. But if the surrounding particleboard has broken away, it’s quicker to fill the void with gap-filling glue (Loctite Go2 Glue is one choice, and is available through our affiliation with Amazon.com).

Start by removing the hinge from the door and preparing the damaged area (Photo 1). Apply petroleum jelly to the movable portions of the hinge to protect them from the glue. Then scuff the cup portion of the hinge with sandpaper where it will contact the adhesive. If you’re using polyurethane adhesive, dampen the hinge with water to activate the glue. Apply glue to the damaged area and immediately install the hinge and screws (Photo 2). Secure the hinge with weights or clamps until the glue dries. Then reinstall the door.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Wood chisel

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • Gap-filling glue
  • Sandpaper