How to Adjust the Binding at the Top of a Door

You can fix a door that binds at the top.

A door that sticks or binds at the top of the doorjamb is an annoyance. Binding is caused when the door is out of plumb, and its top edge hits the frame. A do-it-yourself homeowner with a little time, patience and a couple of simple tools can fix this problem.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Spirit level

Instructions

1. Open the door so that the screw plates holding the hinges to the doorframe are visible. Have an assistant hold the door steady.

2. Loosen the screws on the hinge mounting plates on the side attached to the doorframe. Loosen the screws enough that the mounting plates can shift, but don't remove them. Place a level against the door’s outer edge above where the latch is located. Move the door until the bubble is centered indicating the door’s outer edge is plumb.

3. Tighten the mounting plate screws so that the door remains plumb when released. This eliminates the door’s sticking or binding at the top.

References

• Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated; Editors of The Family Handyman