Doors & Hardware DIY Projects

Exterior-door weatherstripping should stop drafts without making the door difficult to close or latch. Diagnose where air is entering, match the weatherstrip style to the frame, and aim for light, continuous compression rather than maximum thickness.

A worn door sweep can leave a draft, daylight, insects, or dirt entering under an exterior door. Replacement works best when you first determine whether the sweep mounts on the face, wraps the door bottom, or slides into a channel.

A squeaky hinge usually needs a small amount of lubrication or cleaning at the hinge pin and knuckles. Start without removing hardware; if the noise persists, service one hinge pin at a time so the door stays supported.

A loose doorknob or lever is often caused by mounting screws backing out, a loose set screw, or wear inside the lockset. Tighten the correct fastener first; if the handle keeps loosening, the hardware may need repair or replacement.

An interior door can stick because of loose hinges, paint buildup, seasonal swelling, a shifted frame, or an isolated high spot. Diagnose the contact point before sanding or planing so you do not remove material the door needs later.