How do I fix a door that sticks or will not close?

By The editorial team · Editor2 min read
How do I fix a door that sticks or will not close?

Find where the door rubs, then tighten hinges or sand or plane the tight spot.

A door that sticks is usually rubbing because the hinges have loosened or the wood has swollen in humid weather. First find exactly where it rubs.

Look for shiny or scuffed marks on the edge of the door or frame.

Tighten the hinges

Loose screws let the door sag. Tighten them; if the holes are stripped, fill them with wooden dowels or matchsticks and glue, then re-drive the screws.

Sand or plane

If the door is swollen, sand or plane a small amount from the tight edge, then seal the bare wood with paint or varnish.

Latch problems

If the latch will not catch, adjust or move the strike plate on the frame slightly.

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