Well, hollow core doors are pretty much junk. We all have them in our homes. Unless you upgrade to solid core this is what we are left with. It’s a shame it’s always about production and money and not quality of the product. The main issue is exactly what you mentioned, the outer perimeter of the door is usually made from a cheap soft wood, pine, or MDF, which is no match for the abuse a door takes on a daily basis. Some people will suggest using a larger screw to bite more of the material. The issue with that is you are not fixing the problem. Eventually that screw will strip out as well. The material you are screwing into is just to soft to hold the screw for any length of time. If you purchase a hardwood dowel,oak, in a larger diameter than 1/4” as I mentioned in the video, you will get even more bite. You can use pretty much any size as long as the hinge will cover it and it’s not right on the edge. 3/8”would work just fine. After you drill it out use a generous amount of wood glue covering the entire dowel. Titebond is your best bet. Once the glue dries it becomes one with the soft wood or MDF. The glue will not fail. Pre drill the hole and use the hinge screws. Don’t use drywall screws. If you want a little added strength you can put CA glue, basically crazy glue, or even a small amount of the wood glue in the hole. An addition option is to add a third hinge in the middle. Most hollow core doors come pre mortised for two hinges. This will distribute the force onto three hinges instead of two. I wish I could say this will solve all your problems but in my experience working on these issues with clients it is the best and cheapest way to fix the issue without taking the door apart, replacing the frame wood or buying a new door. I can say I never had one fail. I hope this helps you a bit more than the video. Good luck!!
Omg. I've lost hope in fix-it ppl. This is the closest video of many to what I've been looking for but some doors are hollow and have NO wood 1 inch in for a background anchor. It's literally nothing. Air. I've used drywall screw inserts over the years to varying success but I've been looking for a professional fix to a door that's hollow. I've cut them off at whatever depth, tapped them in and screwed in the screws and it holds ...sometimes tight, sometimes precariously ...but my wife has knocked off a certain door several times (BPD, no need for more details) and I've fixed it every time but it's maybe beyond another quick fix. I really need ideas how to anchor or build up or something. I'm losing it :)
Currently in this situation, have a hallow core door, tried tooth picks put kept falling in. Will the dowels stay in place or do you think they will fall inside the door also?
The door's perimeter is reinforced with solid material to provide stability and facilitate the attachment of hinges and a lockset. The central part of the door, known as the field, typically consists of cardboard ribs. If you accidentally drill too deeply into a stripped hinge hole, piercing through the solid material, it's not a major issue. Simply cut a dowel to approximately 2 inches, apply glue, and firmly tap it in until flush. Once the glue sets, pre-drill a pilot hole and then proceed to install your hinge. Your door should then be ready for use.
Did this yesterday , worked well, thanks for the video !
Great info thank you!
Well, hollow core doors are pretty much junk. We all have them in our homes. Unless you upgrade to solid core this is what we are left with. It’s a shame it’s always about production and money and not quality of the product. The main issue is exactly what you mentioned, the outer perimeter of the door is usually made from a cheap soft wood, pine, or MDF, which is no match for the abuse a door takes on a daily basis. Some people will suggest using a larger screw to bite more of the material. The issue with that is you are not fixing the problem. Eventually that screw will strip out as well. The material you are screwing into is just to soft to hold the screw for any length of time. If you purchase a hardwood dowel,oak, in a larger diameter than 1/4” as I mentioned in the video, you will get even more bite. You can use pretty much any size as long as the hinge will cover it and it’s not right on the edge. 3/8”would work just fine. After you drill it out use a generous amount of wood glue covering the entire dowel. Titebond is your best bet. Once the glue dries it becomes one with the soft wood or MDF. The glue will not fail. Pre drill the hole and use the hinge screws. Don’t use drywall screws. If you want a little added strength you can put CA glue, basically crazy glue, or even a small amount of the wood glue in the hole. An addition option is to add a third hinge in the middle. Most hollow core doors come pre mortised for two hinges. This will distribute the force onto three hinges instead of two. I wish I could say this will solve all your problems but in my experience working on these issues with clients it is the best and cheapest way to fix the issue without taking the door apart, replacing the frame wood or buying a new door. I can say I never had one fail. I hope this helps you a bit more than the video. Good luck!!
Great technique
Omg. I've lost hope in fix-it ppl. This is the closest video of many to what I've been looking for but some doors are hollow and have NO wood 1 inch in for a background anchor. It's literally nothing. Air. I've used drywall screw inserts over the years to varying success but I've been looking for a professional fix to a door that's hollow. I've cut them off at whatever depth, tapped them in and screwed in the screws and it holds ...sometimes tight, sometimes precariously ...but my wife has knocked off a certain door several times (BPD, no need for more details) and I've fixed it every time but it's maybe beyond another quick fix. I really need ideas how to anchor or build up or something. I'm losing it :)
Great bud but you should recommend a screw driver. Easy for inexperienced peeps to strip out a again using the drill.
Currently in this situation, have a hallow core door, tried tooth picks put kept falling in. Will the dowels stay in place or do you think they will fall inside the door also?
Did this technique work for you. Currently having a similar issue with a hollow door and toothpicks falling in
You definitely look like a pro, but can you elaborate on "go in til you start to feel solid wood"? It's a hollow door...?
The door's perimeter is reinforced with solid material to provide stability and facilitate the attachment of hinges and a lockset. The central part of the door, known as the field, typically consists of cardboard ribs. If you accidentally drill too deeply into a stripped hinge hole, piercing through the solid material, it's not a major issue. Simply cut a dowel to approximately 2 inches, apply glue, and firmly tap it in until flush. Once the glue sets, pre-drill a pilot hole and then proceed to install your hinge. Your door should then be ready for use.
Are you putting the new screws to the old hole
How to fix bent hinge on trailer front door