A loose or sagging door hinge can be annoying. It can cause the door to not close properly and make loud noises when opening and closing. Fortunately, this issue can often be fixed quickly and easily using a common household item – a golf tee.
What You’ll Need
- Golf tees
- Hammer
- Pliers (optional)
How a Golf Tee Can Help
A golf tee is an ideal item to help fix a loose hinge pin. The tapered end of the tee can fit nicely into the hinge barrel, filling the space around a loose pin and tightening it back up. The wood material also helps create friction to prevent the pin from swinging around loosely anymore.
Golf tees are easy to use for this purpose because of their size and shape. They are also inexpensive and readily available in most homes or can be purchased inexpensively at any golf or sporting goods store. Using a household item like a golf tee is a quick and convenient way to remedy a loose door hinge without having to replace components.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Fixing a loose hinge pin with a golf tee takes just a few simple steps:
1. Remove the Hinge Pin
- Remove the loose hinge pin from the barrel using pliers or by tapping it out with a hammer.
- Clean any dirt, grease or debris from the hinge barrel and pin.
2. Insert the Golf Tee into the Barrel
- Insert a golf tee into the empty hinge barrel, tapered end first.
- Make sure the tee is pushed all the way in.
3. Replace the Hinge Pin
- Place the hinge pin back into the barrel over top of the golf tee.
- Use the hammer to gently tap the pin all the way in until flush and secure.
- The golf tee should now fit snugly around the pin, tightening it in place.
4. Test and Repeat if Needed
- Check the hinge by opening and closing the door a few times.
- If it still feels loose, try repeating with an additional golf tee or shaving the tee down for a tighter fit.
And that’s it! With just a simple golf tee, you can often fix a loose hinge pin quickly and extend the life of your door hinges.
Golf Tees vs. Wood Toothpicks
Golf tees are ideal choice for fixing a hinge pin because of their tapered shape and rigid wood material. Cocktail toothpicks are too small and can break off easily.
Wooden skewers are too thick and using a piece may require shaving it down extensively to fit in the hinge barrel. Golf tees are just the right size and shape already. Their rigid and sturdy wood construction also holds up better than a toothpick without breaking.
When to Call a Professional
While golf tees can fix minor hinge pin issues, it’s best to call a professional for repairs if:
- The hinge screws themselves are loose in the door frame.
- There is damage, rotting or splintering of the wood around the hinge.
- The door is sagging and misaligned in the door frame itself.
- There are issues with the strike plate on the door jamb.
These types of issues indicate more serious underlying problems that require proper repairs by a skilled door technician. They may involve replacing the entire door hinge and hardware.
FAQs About Using Golf Tees for Hinges
How many tees should I use?
Start with just one tee first. If the pin still seems loose, try adding a second tee. Shave the tees with a knife if needed to get a snug fit.
What size golf tee should I use?
Standard size #2 or #3 tees work for most residential door hinges. Carry a few different sizes to find the best fit.
Can I reuse an old golf tee?
It’s best to use new, unused tees for the job as they will be stronger. Reused tees may crumble or split easier.
What if the tee doesn’t fit in the hinge barrel?
You can shave down the wide end of the tee with a knife or sandpaper to make it narrower to fit the barrel opening.
How long does this fix last?
It may last several months or more. Check it periodically and replace the tee if it becomes loose again.
Will this work for cabinet door hinges too?
Yes, golf tees can be used to tighten loose pins on cabinet door hinges using the same method. Opt for smaller tees.
The Takeaway
A sagging door caused by a loose hinge pin is a common and irritating issue. Fortunately, you can often fix it quickly and easily yourself using just a simple golf tee as a DIY solution before having to replace the hinge. Keep this handy golf tee trick in mind next time a door hinge starts acting up!
Quick Tip: Use a Golf Tee to Fix a Door Hinge
