If your door is hitting the frame, there are several things you can do to fix the problem. You can try sanding and planing it down, adjusting the hinges, shaving down a section of the door, and checking for loose screws. In addition, you can try adjusting the door’s balance.
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Planing and sanding
If the door is hitting the frame at an angle, you can fix the problem by replaning the wood. Depending on the angle of the door, you may need to use a jack plane to cut over the problem area. Work from the corner to the center of the door to smooth out the edges. Once the wood is leveled, you can paint the repaired area.
After planing and sanding the door frame, apply a coat of paint or wood stain over the wood. The wood stain or paint should match the finish of the rest of the door. If the door is already painted, apply a coat of primer on it.
Shimming the hinges
If a door is hitting the frame, shim the hinges to realign the door. This may also fix a sagging door. Sometimes a deep lower hinge is the culprit. Another reason is that the bottom of the door is being pulled inward when the door is closed. In these cases, shims may not be enough to correct the problem, but they can be a temporary solution.
Plastic shims are another common solution to this problem. You can use cardboard boxes or other materials to make shims. Make sure the cardboard is about a quarter-inch smaller than the actual door hinge. Ensure that the cardboard doesn’t protrude from behind the hinge, as the result will be a less-than-perfect door. Once you’ve cut the cardboard, cut holes in the cardboard to match the existing holes on the hinge. If you’re unsure about the exact size, use a template.
Shave down part of the door
If you notice that your door is hitting the frame, you may have to shave down a part of the door to make it fit. If the door is hitting the frame, you need to fix the problem before you can use the door. It may be caused by poor installation or settling of the house.
You can use a power sander or an electric planer to shave down this part of the door. The belt sander works faster than the orbital sander, and is better for doors with multiple layers of paint.
Checking for loose screws
If your door is hitting the frame, you should check for loose screws and tighten them. If the screws are tight, the door should remain securely fastened to the frame. If the door still keeps hitting the frame, you can try using a block of wood, a book, or a wadded up towel to stop it. If all of these methods fail, you may try sitting under the door and unscrewing any loose screws. If the screws are stubborn, you can try the 4 Guaranteed Trick to Remove Stubborn Screws
Loose screws are the most common cause of a shaky door. A loose screw can cause the door to tilt under gravity. To tighten the screws, use a screwdriver or an impact driver. Older houses may have enlarged screw holes. Alternatively, you can use a match dipped in wood glue to hold the screws tight. When the glue hardens, you can break off the match and use a longer wood screw to replace the existing one.
Changing the latch
If your door consistently hits the frame, changing the latch is a relatively simple solution. If the latch is bent, you can use carpenter’s glue to tighten it. If the strike plate is too far away from the latch, use a small piece of wood to slide it closer. You should then check the alignment of the door and the latch before you finish.
There are several factors that contribute to this problem, such as moisture, dry air, and house movement. Another contributing factor is improper installation. Sometimes, the door may hit the frame while it is being opened and shut. Children may swing on the door, which can cause the door to hit the frame. Fortunately, most latch problems can be easily corrected.
