Replacing Door Hinges

I am trying to replace the hinges on my front door. They are 4-inch hinges. Unfortunately, all 4-inch hinges at the hardware store have a different screw-hole pattern than my old hinges. The holes overlap, but do not match, the existing screw holes -- I am concerned that if I use a hinge with the different hole pattern, it will strip the wood and hold badly.

I am a novice at home repairs, so I don't know if this is a valid concern. Is it important to find hinges with the correct hole pattern? If so, where should I look? I've already searched all the local hardware stores.

-TC

Reply to
TC
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It is a valid concern. One way to address it is to drill out the holes to some set dimension and glue dowels in the holes to fill the void. Then, drill holes to match the new hinges.

KB

Reply to
Kyle Boatright

It is important to fill the old holes. Easier than drilling them out to install dowels is to get a small dowel (like 3/16" or 1/4") and taper it with a knife or pencil sharpener. Cut off to a manageable length, coat with glue, drive snugly into the hole, and saw off flush. Don Young

Reply to
Don Young

I've used golf tees (unpainted) to fill holes in that situation. Works pretty good.

Reply to
ConRes

Even filled in such a manner, that point in the jam is still going to be weaker than good wood. For an exterior door, I'd fill the old holes, them reloate the hinges slightly higher or lower to ensure good wood for the screws. I guess one question is why are the hinges being replaced in the first place? Old ones worn out? Just 'redecorating'?

Reply to
mwlogs

Two words: Golf tees

install dowels is to get a small dowel (like 3/16" or 1/4") and taper it with a knife or pencil sharpener.

Reply to
Rudy

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I think I know how to do it now: Use dowels to reinforce the old holes, then mount the new hinges slightly higher or lower than the old ones. Fortunately, I won't have to do that, though. I contacted the company that made the original hinges and, through them, found a hardware store 25 miles away that sold the exact hinges I need. They were expensive, but they will save me a lot of work.

-TC

Reply to
TC

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