How to Fix a Rubbing Door
Check to see if the screws in the hinge plate are tight., Lift the door by grasping both handles and gently putting upward pressure., Examine the door and the doorjamb to determine where the door is rubbing., Swing the door back and forth to see if...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check to see if the screws in the hinge plate are tight.
Give them a little twist with a ratcheting screwdriver. -
Step 2: Lift the door by grasping both handles and gently putting upward pressure.
Check to see if this relieves the rubbing.
If it does, tighten the hinge screws with a ratcheting screwdriver.
You may use a drill with a screwdriver head attachment, but you need to be careful not to overdrive the screws and break or strip them. , Look for paint that has been worn away by the door.
Use a stepladder to look at the top of the door. ,,, You may need someone to help you catch the door. , This will help reduce the chance of the face of the door chipping. , Sandpaper can be used for small rubbing problems, while the belt sander or circular saw are ideal for more extreme door-sticking issues.
Be careful not to cut the door too deep or too far.
Interior doors are often hollow with only 1 inch (2.54 cm) of wood to stabilize the door.
Do not remove more than 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch (.64 to
1.27 cm) of wood.
If your door is a solid wood door, you have more leeway in regards to how much wood you can remove. , You may have to remove the door several times to keep it from rubbing; however, this is better than taking too much off. ,, -
Step 3: Examine the door and the doorjamb to determine where the door is rubbing.
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Step 4: Swing the door back and forth to see if it is rubbing against the carpet or making marks on the floor.
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Step 5: Mark the door with a pencil at the spot that it rubs.
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Step 6: Remove the door from its hinges with a narrow screwdriver or awl and hammer to tap out the hinges.
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Step 7: Apply masking tape to the door before cutting or sanding.
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Step 8: Use sandpaper
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Step 9: a belt sander
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Step 10: or circular saw to remove the area where the door rubs.
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Step 11: Rehang the door
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Step 12: and check for rubbing.
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Step 13: Remove the tape.
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Step 14: Touch up the door with paint
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Step 15: or varnish if needed.
Detailed Guide
Give them a little twist with a ratcheting screwdriver.
Check to see if this relieves the rubbing.
If it does, tighten the hinge screws with a ratcheting screwdriver.
You may use a drill with a screwdriver head attachment, but you need to be careful not to overdrive the screws and break or strip them. , Look for paint that has been worn away by the door.
Use a stepladder to look at the top of the door. ,,, You may need someone to help you catch the door. , This will help reduce the chance of the face of the door chipping. , Sandpaper can be used for small rubbing problems, while the belt sander or circular saw are ideal for more extreme door-sticking issues.
Be careful not to cut the door too deep or too far.
Interior doors are often hollow with only 1 inch (2.54 cm) of wood to stabilize the door.
Do not remove more than 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch (.64 to
1.27 cm) of wood.
If your door is a solid wood door, you have more leeway in regards to how much wood you can remove. , You may have to remove the door several times to keep it from rubbing; however, this is better than taking too much off. ,,
About the Author
Theresa Phillips
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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