How to Fix a Rubbing Door

The constant rubbing of a door against your carpet or floor may mar
those surfaces. Trimming the bottom of the door can prevent this
damage and allow the door to open smoothly. A handsaw guided
by a straight board works, but a guided circular saw -- the method
described below -- is generally more accurate and easier to use.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Retractable Utility Knife With Blades
• Sandpaper
• Board
• Circular Saw
• Clamp
• Sanding Block
• Sandpaper
• Sawhorses Or Workbench
• Straightedge
• Tape Measure
• Varnish, or primer and paint

1. 

   If the door is on its hinges, close it and place a board on the floor up against the door to trace a line on the door parallel to the floor (see A). Ideally use a 1/2-inch (12-mm) thick board to mark a cut line 1/2 inch (12 mm) above the flooring; but if you use a 3/4-inch (2-cm) board, just subtract the difference.

2. If you can't install the door because, for example, you've recently put in thick carpeting, measure from the top of the door opening to the floor at each side of the opening. Subtract 5/8 inch (15 mm) from each measurement. Put the door on sawhorses or a workbench and transfer the measurements to the door, then draw a straight line between them. Assuming there's a 1/8-inch (3-mm) gap above the door, this allows for a 1/2-inch (12-mm) gap under it after you cut along this line.

3. To prevent the circular saw's blade from chipping a veneered door or the vertical stiles on a solid wood door, cut through the veneer or score the wood stiles along your cut line with several passes of a utility knife.

4. 

   Clamp a straightedge on the door to guide a circular saw's cut. Complete the cut (see B).

5. Use a sanding block with medium and then fine sandpaper to round over and smooth the cut edges. Seal the bottom edge of the door with varnish or primer and paint to limit expansion, contraction and warping caused by changes in humidity.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection such as goggles when using a circular saw.
• Avoid dangerous circular-saw kickback. Clamp the door and straightedge guide into place so you can use two hands for cutting and you don't overreach.
• Use padded clamps or insert a scrap of wood between the clamp and the door to protect the finish.

[kqmsradioman]

on 4/7/2008 Good article. There are a few other tips that help. #1. Put a layer of masking tape on the bottom of the saw to protect the door. #2. Use a new carbide tipped saw blade such as the 'Marathon' or 'Diablo'.