How to Fix a Sticking or Rubbing Door
Diagnose why an internal door sticks, rubs or will not latch, and fix it with hinge tightening, planing or packing, plus when a handyman is worth calling.
A door that sticks, scrapes or refuses to latch is annoying, and it is one of the classic handyman jobs. The good news is that most cases are down to a handful of causes, and you can often tell which one by looking at where the door touches the frame. Diagnose first, then pick the lightest fix that works.
Step 1: Find where it rubs
Close the door slowly and watch the gap around it. Look for scuff marks, shiny patches or worn paint. A sheet of paper or a piece of chalk run along the edge can help. The location tells you what is happening:
- Top corner on the latch side usually means the hinges have loosened and the door has sagged.
- Bottom edge may indicate swelling or sag, or a carpet that is too high.
- Along the hinge side suggests hinge recesses are too deep or paint has built up.
- Along the latch side may suggest swelling from damp or paint build-up.
- Latch does not meet the keep means the latch and strike plate are misaligned.
Step 2: Tighten the hinges
Loose hinges are the most common culprit. Open the door and check each screw. If they spin without gripping, the holes are worn. Fixes include:
- Remove the screw and push in a couple of wooden matchsticks or a piece of dowel with a little wood glue, then re-drive the screw once it has set.
- Use a longer screw, ideally of 40 mm, which will reach into the stud or frame behind the hinge.
- Replace with a screw of slightly larger diameter.
After tightening, try the door again. This alone resolves many cases.
Step 3: Adjust the hinges or add packing
If the door rubs on the hinge side, the hinge may be too deep in its recess. Placing a thin piece of cardboard behind the hinge leaf moves the door away from the frame. If the door rubs at the opposite side, remove a hinge, deepen the recess slightly with a chisel and refit. These are fine adjustments; small changes make a visible difference.
Step 4: Plane or sand
When the door is simply too tight, remove material from the edge:
- Mark the area that is rubbing with a pencil.
- Take the door off its hinges if you can, supporting it securely.
- Use a sharp plane, working from the corners towards the middle to avoid splintering, or coarse sandpaper on a block.
- Remove only a little at a time. A millimetre makes a big difference.
- Seal the bare wood with primer or paint, including the top and bottom edges, to prevent swelling.
Do not plane more than needed; it is difficult to put wood back.
Step 5: Check the latch and strike plate
If the door closes but will not latch, the latch may not line up with the keep. Mark where the latch hits and enlarge the opening in the strike plate with a file, or move the plate. If the door rattles, adjust the keep slightly in the opposite direction.
When the problem is bigger
- Fire doors. Fire doors have intumescent strips and specific tolerances. Do not plane or alter them without understanding the effect on fire performance. Ask a competent joiner or specialist.
- Movement or subsidence. If the frame is out of square, cracks appear nearby or several doors stick at once, the structure may be moving. That needs a surveyor or builder, not a plane.
- Swelling from damp. Fix the damp, not just the door.
- Warped doors. Severe warping may require replacement; see how to hang a door.
Costs and when to call help
A handyman will typically charge around £40 to £90 for a simple door adjustment, with higher prices in London and the South East, plus a minimum charge in some cases. If you have several doors to fix, batch them; see how to save money by batching handyman jobs.
Also consider asking for a check at the same time on handles, latches and squeaky hinges, which are usually quick fixes.
Getting someone in
If you want help, you can send a request via Compito with your postcode, a photo of the door and a note of where it rubs. You can message providers, accept the offer you prefer, pay online and leave a review after the booking is completed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my door stick more in winter or summer?
Timber absorbs moisture and swells in humid conditions, so doors often stick more in damp periods. Sealing all edges with paint reduces this.
Can I fix a sticking door without taking it off?
Often yes. Tightening hinges and adjusting the strike plate can be done in place. Planing is easier with the door removed.
Will painting the door make it stick?
Possibly. Several coats can add thickness, especially around the edges. Sand back the edges before repainting if the gap is tight.