Key trick: replace hinges one at a time with the door closed and supported. The remaining hinges hold the door in place and preserve alignment, so the new hinges drop straight into the existing mortises.
Before you start
Buy replacement hinges that match the old ones in size, mortise dimensions, and screw-hole pattern — same height, same corner radius (square vs rounded), same thickness. Match the grade to the environment while you're at it.
Step by step
Close and wedge the door
Shut the door and slip a shim or wedge under the latch edge to take the weight off the hinges.
Work one hinge at a time
Unscrew only the top hinge first. The middle and bottom hinges keep the door hung.
Swap in the new hinge
Set the new hinge in the same mortise and drive the screws. If holes are stripped, fill with glued hardwood toothpicks or dowels and re-drill.
Repeat down the door
Move to the next hinge only after the previous one is fully fastened. Finish with the bottom hinge.
If the new hinges don't match
Different size or corner radius means re-cutting the mortise — at that point it's easier to remove the door. A square-corner hinge won't sit right in a round-corner mortise without filling and recutting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really leave the door hanging?
Yes, as long as you swap one hinge at a time and support the door with a wedge. The remaining hinges hold it.
My screw holes are stripped — now what?
Glue hardwood toothpicks or a dowel into the hole, let it set, trim flush, then drill a fresh pilot. Or step up to a longer screw into framing.