The 4 Tricks to Fixing a Sticking Door That Even Pros Use
If you’ve ever dealt with a sticking door, you know it can be annoying. Luckily, there are some easy fixes for this and you can have your door back in working order in no time. So, before you reach for the phone to call a handyman or replace the door altogether, try some of these expert-approved tricks. They’ll more than likely get rid of your sticking door problem!
1. Tighten or Adjust the Hinges
The first place you should look to if you have a sticking door is the hinges. Screws can loosen over time, which will cause the door to sag and rub against the frame. You don’t have to call in a pro for this issue though. All you need is a screwdriver to tighten any hinge screws that have come loose. Once you’ve done that, see if it fixes the issue. If not, you might try replacing the screws with longer ones. This will help provide a more secure hold.
2. Sand Down the Problem Areas
Wood doors can expand due to humidity. This is especially common in bathrooms or in climates with high humidity levels. Close the door and look for any tights spots, then use a piece of sandpaper to shave down the swollen area(s). Keep checking your progress by opening and closing the door. Once it is closing smoothly, seal the sanded area with paint or wood sealer. Doing this will prevent future swelling.
3. Lubricate the Edges and Hinges
Sometimes, all a sticking door needs is a bit of lubrication to reduce friction. Apply a small amount of WD-40, petroleum jelly, or a bar of soap along the door edges where it makes contact with the frame. Don’t forget to lubricate the hinges as well, especially if they’re squeaky or stiff. After applying the lubricant, open and close the door several times to help distribute it evenly.
4. Check and Adjust the Strike Plate
If your door latches tightly or doesn’t close properly, the strike plate might be misaligned. Over time, constant use can shift the plate slightly, causing the door to stick. Use a screwdriver to loosen the plate screws and adjust its position slightly up or down as needed. If the issue persists, widening the hole in the plate with a metal file can help the latch slide in more smoothly. You could also have to replace the strike plate with an adjustable one for a better fit to remedy the problem.
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes the best thing you can do is call a pro in to help. While these four fixes are easy to carry out on your own, if they don’t work you might need someone to come look at the sticking door. In some cases, structural issues like a warped door frame could be to blame. A professional can also determine if your home’s foundation is the root cause of the problem with the door. It’s best not to ignore it though. A sticking door can be more than just a nuisance in day-to-day life. It could lead to long-term damage and more expensive fixes in the future.
Read More
If Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running, Try This Before Calling a Plumber
Stop Wasting Money on AC Repairs—This Easy Maintenance Tip Can Help
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.