Why is my door sticking and how do I fix it?
Most sticking doors have loose hinge screws or a door that has sagged out of square. Tighten the hinge screws first, swap a stripped screw for a longer one, and check the strike plate. Plane or sand the rubbing edge only if the hardware fixes do not work.
How it is usually fixed
- Tighten every hinge screw with a hand screwdriver. A drill can strip the holes or split the wood.
- If a screw just spins, replace one screw in the upper hinge with a longer wood screw that reaches the framing behind the jamb. This can pull the door back into line.
- Check that the strike plate is tight and lined up with the latch.
- If the door still rubs, mark the high spot, then sand or plane off a small amount and refinish the bare edge.
When it is not a handyman job
A steel door should not be planed. A door that is badly warped, rotted, or out of a frame that has shifted may need replacing instead of adjusting.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What we do on a visit
- Tighten and realign hinges
- Replace stripped screws
- Adjust the strike plate and latch
- Trim the rubbing edge and refinish it
Common questions
Should I plane a door that sticks?
Only as a last step. Check the hinges and strike plate first, because loose hinges are the most common cause. Planing removes wood that cannot be put back.
Why does my door stick only some times of year?
Wood can swell when humidity rises, so a door that rubs only in humid months may need a small trim. Rule out loose hinges before you take any wood off.
Why does my door rub at the top corner?
A door that rubs at the top, on the latch side, has usually sagged on its hinges. The top hinge screws are often loose. Tightening them, or swapping one for a longer screw that reaches the framing, can pull the door back into square before any trimming.
Can you fix a door that will not latch?
Often, yes. If the latch misses the strike plate, the plate may be loose or out of line, or the door may have shifted. We check the hinges, then adjust or reposition the strike plate so the latch catches without a shove.
Do you seal the wood after trimming a door?
Yes. Trimmed wood is bare, so it should be sealed and painted or finished. Bare edges can take in moisture, which can bring the sticking back. Tell us the door's finish and we will plan to match it as closely as we can.
Related repairs
We serve Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Barrington Hills, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette, Highwood, Northfield, Riverwoods, IL.