Hinge Holes Stripped On Hallow Door

After drilling a hole to accommodate the dowel and applying glue to both the hole and the dowel use another dowel of a larger diameter to set the smaller dowel into the hole.

Hinge holes stripped on hallow door.

The wrong way is a temporary fix not cool. Fix it the right way not the wrong way. Squeeze a drop of carpenter s glue into each loose hole then push about 3 wooden matches or toothpicks into the hole or enough to fill it and snap the excess wood off. This method puts the top of the dowel flush with the surface of the hinge mortise.

Then reposition the hinge leaf and bore 1 8 inch diameter pilot holes. Most are only 1 3 8 in width. Spread carpenter s glue onto a 3 8 inch diameter x 1 inch long wood dowel and tap it into the hole until it s flush with the jamb. Wait at least an hour.

Screw the hinge back into place after the glue is dry. Particle board is used in hollow core doors and its holding ability is limited too. Door stiles the wooden side frames inside the door aren t very deep which is part of the reason hinges become loose over time.