Things You'll Need:
- Plane
- Sander
- Cardboard shims
- Screwdriver
- Wedge
- Hammer
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Step 1
If a door binds, rubs or sticks, close the door and carefully examine the door for tight spots and loose spots. Take note of spots that are rubbing.
I find the best way to do this is to have a bright light on the opposite side of the door which will show any imperfections in your door or casing. Mark these areas of problem. -
Step 2
To repair a binding door one cause can be loose hinge screws which causes the door to sag. To tighten the screws open the door wide and support it with a wedge under the latch edge. Remove the loose screws, fold back the hinge and fill the holes with dowels or glue coated scrape wood pieces. unfold the hinge and drive the screws back in.
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Step 3
If you have a door that binds at the top or bottom use cardboard shims at the bottom for a door that binds at the bottom and one at the top for a door that binds at the top.
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Step 4
If you have a door that is difficult to close, even though it doesn't bind, insert cardboard shims under each of the hinges. This should make it fit better to the latch jamb.
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Step 5
If you have a door that is too big for the door jamb sand or plane it till it fits just right. You can sand or plane the top without removing the door from its hinges.
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Step 6
If the door needs to be removed to fix, mark the spots in question before removal. When sanding or using a plane always work on the hinge side and work toward the middle to avoid splintering the door at the edge. Install the door and check for fit. Repeat if needed.
Comments
pennynickols said
on 10/19/2009 Thanks for sharing, "How to Repair Doors That Bind Or Stick." The service door in my garage sticks and based on your article, I'm going to try to figure out where the problem is.