How to Fix a Sticking Interior Door

A door that suddenly rubs may only have loose hinge screws, but seasonal swelling or movement in the frame can also be involved. Start by fixing alignment before sanding material away.

Tools you will probably need

• screwdriver
• pencil
• sandpaper only if minor rubbing remains

Materials

• longer hinge screws if appropriate
• touch-up paint if sanding is needed

Project steps

1. Open and close the door slowly to locate the exact rubbing point.
2. Check every hinge screw and tighten loose fasteners.
3. If the top hinge is pulling away from the frame, an appropriate longer screw into solid framing can sometimes restore alignment.
4. Only after alignment is corrected should you lightly sand a minor high spot, then seal any exposed wood.

Common mistakes

• Planing or sanding the door before checking loose hinges
• Driving an oversized screw without knowing what is behind the frame
• Ignoring a door that became misaligned at the same time as new wall cracks

When to call someone

Call a carpenter if the frame is badly out of square, the door suddenly changed along with structural cracks, or significant trimming would be required.

Project costs and times are rough planning estimates. Product instructions, local codes, home construction, and actual conditions take priority.