How To Fix a Door That Sticks

  • April 1, 2009
  • 8,225 Views
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Instead of pushing, pulling, and cursing, why not fix that door that sticks?

You Will Need

  • A screwdriver
  • Some cardboard
  • Screws that are larger than those in the hinges
  • A pencil
  • A belt sander or sanding block
  • A book or piece of wood
  • A solid wooden block
How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Check installation

Step 1: Check installation

Check that the door was properly installed. Close the door and see if the top of the door lines up with the doorframe. Examine all sides of the door, then make sure the hinges are properly installed and aligned.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Test tightening

Step 2: Test tightening

See that the hinges are tight and secure. Use your screwdriver to tighten any loose screws. Do not use a drill; it could cause you to strip the screw holes.

Wedge a book or piece of wood under the door to keep it steady while you work on the hinges.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Check for warping

Step 3: Check for warping

Look for swelling. Time and humidity can cause wooden doors to warp and expand, so check where the door sticks and see if its shape has been altered.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Mark warped areas

Step 4: Mark warped areas

If warping seems to be the problem, slip a thin piece of cardboard between the door and frame and notice the problem areas where it sticks. Lightly mark these spots with a pencil, unscrew the hinges, and remove the door.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Sand the door

Step 5: Sand the door

Sand the problem areas with a sanding block. Be careful not to take off more than you want.

If a door has been painted over several times, the layers of paint may be what’s making it stick. Sand them down.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Plane the door

Step 6: Plane the door

If the problem area is significant, use a belt sander to grind it down. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and don’t wear away too much wood! Add finish to the sanded area, let it dry, and reattach your door, making sure the hinges are tight. Chances are you’ve fixed the problem by now.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Replace screw

Step 7: Replace screw

Still sticking? Replace the middle screws on the hinges with larger, longer screws that will grip the frame better.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Dent the doorframe

Step 8: Dent the doorframe

You could also try carefully denting the doorframe. Take your wooden block and place it on the frame where the door tends to stick. Hammer the block lightly so the doorframe bends a bit; this make the door looser when it’s closed.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Push frame closer to the studs

Step 9: Push frame closer to the studs

Here’s another trick — push the doorframe closer to the studs by hammering a nail into the frame where the door tends to stick. Sometimes this can buy you a little room.

How To Fix a Door That Sticks: Buy a new door

Step 10: Buy a new door

If all else fails, it may be time for a new door. At least you know you didn’t overlook an obvious fix! Make sure the new door is stained or varnished on all sides, which can prevent warping by keeping out moisture.

The narrowest house in the world is in Amsterdam; it is not much wider than its 39-inch front door!

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Video is in DIY Projects (31 videos)