How to Adjust a Door That Won't Close Properly

A door that won't close properly is one of those annoying problems that gets worse if you ignore it. Good news: most door problems are easy fixes once you know what's causing them.

Diagnose the Problem First

Before you fix anything, work out exactly what's happening:

The Door Sticks

• Rubs at the top - Top hinge probably loose or dropped
• Rubs at the bottom - Bottom hinge might be loose
• Rubs on the latch side - Hinges may be recessed too deep
• Sticks worse in summer - Wood has swollen with humidity

The Door Won't Latch

• Latch doesn't reach strike plate - Door or frame has shifted
• Latch hits edge of strike plate - Alignment is off
• Latch tongue won't retract - Mechanism problem

The Door Won't Stay Closed/Open

• Swings open by itself - Hinges not aligned (door isn't plumb)
• Drifts closed - Same issue, opposite direction

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Fix 1: Tighten the Hinges

Loose hinges are the most common cause of door problems. Over time, the screws work loose and the door drops.

What you need: Screwdriver

Steps:

1. Open the door wide
2. Check each hinge screw - try to tighten them
3. If screws spin without tightening, the holes are stripped

For stripped screw holes:

Option A: Use longer screws (75mm instead of 50mm) to reach fresh wood

Option B: Fill holes with wooden matchsticks or cocktail sticks dipped in PVA glue. Let dry, then redrive screws.

Option C: Use the next screw size up

This single fix solves about 50% of door problems.

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Fix 2: Adjust the Strike Plate

If the latch doesn't line up with the strike plate hole:

For Minor Misalignment (1-2mm)

Use a metal file to enlarge the strike plate opening. Takes 5 minutes.

For Bigger Misalignment

1. Unscrew the strike plate
2. Mark the new position
3. Chisel out extra wood if needed
4. Refill old screw holes (matchsticks + glue)
5. Refit strike plate in new position

Pro tip: Rub chalk or lipstick on the latch, close the door, and you'll see exactly where it hits the strike plate. Makes alignment much easier.

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Fix 3: Plane or Sand the Sticking Edge

If the door is rubbing on the frame and tightening hinges hasn't helped:

Option 1: Sand it (for minor rubbing)

1. Identify where it rubs (look for shiny worn patches)
2. Use coarse sandpaper (80 grit) to remove a bit of material
3. Test fit repeatedly
4. Finish with finer sandpaper
5. Touch up paint or varnish

Option 2: Plane it (for more material removal)

1. Remove door from hinges (support it properly)
2. Use a hand plane or electric planer on the sticking edge
3. Work gradually - you can't put wood back
4. Rehang and test
5. Seal and paint the bare edge

Important: Always seal any bare wood, especially on the bottom edge. Unsealed edges absorb moisture and the problem comes back.

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Fix 4: Adjust Hinge Depth

Sometimes hinges are set too deep or not deep enough in their recesses (mortises).

Hinges too deep: Door sits too far into frame, rubs on latch side

• Fix: Add cardboard shims behind the hinge leaf
• Cut thin cardboard (cereal box works) to hinge shape
• Unscrew hinge, add cardboard, rescrew

Hinges too shallow: Door doesn't sit flush, gaps visible

• Fix: Deepen the mortise with a chisel
• Mark depth carefully
• Remove small amounts at a time

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Fix 5: Door Swings Open or Closed By Itself

This happens when the door isn't hanging plumb (perfectly vertical).

Quick test: Close the door almost shut and let go. If it moves by itself, the hinges aren't aligned.

Fix:

1. Check if the top hinge is leaning forward or back
2. Deepen or shim the hinge mortise to bring it back to plumb
3. Sometimes adding a washer behind part of the hinge helps

This is fiddly work - small adjustments make big differences.

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Seasonal Door Sticking

In Devon's damp climate, wooden doors often:

• Stick in winter - Wood absorbs moisture and swells
• Work fine in summer - Wood dries and shrinks

If your door only sticks in winter, you have two choices:

1. Plane it to fit in winter - Risk of gaps in summer
2. Live with it - Or add draught excluders for the summer gaps
3. Replace with a different door - Some woods are more stable than others

Best long-term solution: Properly seal all edges, including top and bottom. This reduces moisture absorption and keeps the door more stable year-round.

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When to Call a Professional

Door problems that need a pro:

• Door frame has shifted - Structural issue
• Fire door - Must be adjusted to spec
• Multiple doors affected - Could indicate house movement
• You need a new door fitted - Hanging doors properly is skilled work
• Glass door - Risk of breakage

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Want someone else to sort it? We fix doors across Exeter - sticking, dropping, and everything in between. Most jobs under an hour. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.