How to Fix a Sagging or Binding Door

Doors, much like the houses they inhabit, settle over time. Gravity is relentless, and the weight of a solid-core door eventually pulls at the top hinge, causing the leading edge to drag on the floor or bind against the strike plate. A door that requires a shoulder-shove to latch is not just an annoyance; it is a signal that your hardware is working harder than it should. Fixing this is a methodical process of checking the mechanical fasteners before resorting to more drastic measures like planing the wood. When done well, the door should swing effortlessly on its own weight and latch with the gentle click of a well-fitted mechanism. We are looking for uniform, paper-thin gaps around the entire perimeter of the door frame.

  1. Tighten All Hinge Screws. Open the door and check all screws on both the door leaf and the jamb leaf for tightness. Use a manual screwdriver to firm up any that have backed out, taking care not to strip the pilot holes.
  2. Repair Stripped Screw Holes. If a screw spins without tightening, remove it and insert a golf tee or a wooden toothpick coated in wood glue into the hole. Once dry, snap the excess flush and drive the screw back in.
  3. Install the Hinge Shim. If the door is binding at the top, place a thin cardboard shim behind the bottom hinge plate. Loosen the screws, slide the shim between the hinge and the jamb, and retighten.
  4. Align the Strike Plate. If the door swings well but fails to latch, the strike plate may be misaligned. Loosen the screws and shift the plate slightly, or use a metal file to enlarge the strike hole for better clearance.
  5. Check Frame Plumb. Place a level against the hinge-side jamb to ensure it is vertical. If the jamb itself has pulled away from the wall, you may need to drive a long 3-inch screw through the hinge hole into the wall stud behind it.
  6. Lubricate the Hinges. Apply a small drop of silicone-based lubricant to the hinge pins while moving the door back and forth. Wipe away any excess oil immediately to prevent staining the wood or carpet.