The Door won’t stay closed! Common Door issues
Lets look at some common door issues & easy solutions
Squeaky hinges (it has to be said!)
Door sticking/rubbing
Won’t latch/stay closed
Screws/hinges are coming loose
Squeaky Hinges?
If they look like the ones to the left, get new ones!
Replace hinges with Squeak-free Hinges
Use a lubricant that leaves a film Like This One
In a pinch, use a drop of olive oil, apply with a q-tip
It’s Stuck! - but not blocked
The weather has your door stuck, humidity to be precise. There a few options other than waiting for autumn. First muscle it open.
Tighten up the hinge screws, it may be just enough to create the clearance you need
Sand down the door where it’s rubbing- this is the most labor intensive but a sure fix
Replace the middle hinge screws on the jamb side with longer screws (3” is usually fine) - they will grab the wall framing and pull the door over- Go Slow
Using a 2x4 block (~12”-18”), place it against the strike side door jamb and give a firm hit with a hammer- reserve this method for someone with a little experience
The door won’t latch anymore!
If the door used to latch and all of a sudden it won’t, you have a sagging door and the striker is misaligned. We’ll talk about 2 fixes:
Remember the long screw in the center hinge hole from above? Try that method for the TOP hinge only. Driving a long screw into the hinge jamb will pull the door over and the striker up
Notice to the left how the bottom of the hole where the striker is received is flattened…this is another simple fix…take a Small Metal File and grind down the strike plate enough so the door latches once again
Screw Loose?
Everyone’s go to is a bigger screw…longer may work on the jamb side but on the door side, try this
Stick a toothpick, or 2 or 3, in the bored out hole and then replace the screw…this works for wood anywhere!
Fill the hole with Wood Glue, you can use sawdust to thicken it up. When it cures, pre drill a hole and reinstall the screw