How to Fix a Sticking Door

Wondering how to stop a door from sticking? Let Family Handyman on YouTube teach you how to fix a sticking door in just 4 simple steps. There are different reasons a door may stick in the doorframe. It could be due to humidity, a misaligned strike plate, a shifted frame, or loose hinges. If the humidity is too high, expect the wood to expand. It’s the reason why your door won’t open or close properly. To prevent this from happening, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity levels in your room.

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Aside from that, one of the most common reasons is having loose hinges. If the screws are loose, the hinges become misaligned. Straightening the hinges will stop the door from sticking into the doorframe. You don’t need to call a professional to get it fixed, as it’s easy to do. With the right tools, you can fix your door in just a few minutes. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions.

Here’s another tip you might want to try: How to Fix a Door Gap Like a Pro

What You Need to Fix a Sticking Door

• pliers
• shim
• nail punch
• hammer
• old screwdriver

How to Fix a Sticking Door

Step 1:

Close the door. Using a hammer and a nail punch, gently tap the pin upwards. Once it’s partially out, pry it further using an old screwdriver, then remove it by hand. If the pin is rusty, use a penetrating oil.

Do this for the top and middle pins.

Step 2:

After removing the top and middle pin, slide a shim between the door and the wall.

Step 3:

Straighten the uneven hinges using pliers.

Step 4:

Once it is straight, return the pins using a hammer. Remove the shim and check if the door is now closing properly. If not, it’s probably not straight enough.

How to Fix a Sticking Door