Tighten loose door and cabinet hardware

Short answer

Once a year, walk through the house with a screwdriver and snug up every hinge, handle, knob, and drawer pull; replace any stripped screws with slightly thicker ones.

Priority: Low
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 20 min
How often: Once a year

Why It Matters

Loose hinges, handles, and pulls strip out screw holes over time, turning a 30-second fix into a wood-repair job.

Tools

Screwdriver

Materials

Replacement screws, slightly thicker than the originals

How to Do It

Gather a screwdriver and a small supply of slightly thicker replacement screws before you start.
Walk through each room and test every visible hinge, handle, knob, and drawer pull by hand.
Tighten any fastener that feels loose, turning until snug but not forced.
For screws that spin without catching, swap in a slightly thicker screw so it bites into fresh wood.

Inspect attic Once a year
Inspect basement Once a year
Inspect crawlspace Once a year
Lubricate door hinges and locks Once a year
Re-caulk tub and shower Once a year

Part Of

Interior

Last updated 23 September 2026

Put this on your schedule

Stu adds tasks like this one to a maintenance plan for your home and reminds you when they're due.