Replacing Door Hinges

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

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

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

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'?

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.

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