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Page 40 — Walls, Doors & Hardware

How to Fix a Door That Sticks

A sticking door is almost always caused by loose hinges, swollen wood from humidity, or paint buildup. Start with the simplest fix first.

Screwdriver
Tightens hinge screws — the first and easiest fix for a sticking door.
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Sanding Block
Removes material from the rubbing area when hinge tightening isn't enough.
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Wood Plane (Optional)
For doors that are sticking badly due to swelling. Removes more material faster than sandpaper.
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1
Identify Where the Door Is Rubbing

Close the door slowly and watch and feel for where it binds. Mark the rubbing area with a pencil.

2
Tighten the Hinge Screws

Tighten every hinge screw on both the door and the jamb side. A loose hinge causes the door to sag and rub at the latch side corner. This solves the problem more often than people expect.

3
Sand or Plane the Rubbing Area

Apply painter's tape around the marked area. Use a sanding block to sand down the rubbing spot working with the grain. Test frequently. For heavy sticking, use a Stanley Surform plane. Once the door swings freely, seal any bare wood with paint or primer.

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