Fixing a binding door often involves identifying the problem area and making adjustments, most commonly to the hinges. Here's a step-by-step approach to diagnose and solve the issue:
1. Diagnose the Problem
- Observe where the door is binding: Carefully open and close the door, paying attention to where it rubs against the frame (the jamb or the head). Look for paint marks or shiny spots that indicate contact.
- Check the hinges: Examine the hinges for loose screws, bent hinge plates, or a hinge that's pulling away from the door or frame.
- Inspect the frame: Make sure the frame is square and plumb (vertical). A warped or shifted frame can cause the door to bind.
2. Gather Your Tools
You'll likely need some or all of the following:
- Screwdriver (Phillips and/or flathead, depending on your hinge screws)
- Wood shims
- Hammer
- Wood chisel
- Block plane or sanding block
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Utility knife
- Drill with drill bits (for pilot holes and potentially longer screws)
- Wood filler (if needed)
- Safety glasses
3. Solutions Based on the Problem
Here are the most common fixes for a binding door:
A. Loose Hinge Screws:
- The Problem: Screws that have stripped their holes prevent the hinge from sitting flush, causing the door to sag or bind.
- The Solution:
- Remove the loose screws.
- Insert wood glue and small pieces of wood (toothpicks or matchsticks) into the screw holes. Let the glue dry completely.
- Trim the excess wood flush with the surface using a utility knife.
- Reinstall the screws. If the screws still don't hold, try using longer screws that reach deeper into the door frame's stud.
B. Tight Hinge:
- The Problem: The hinge may be screwed in too deep, causing the door to bind.
- The Solution: Place cardboard or thin wood shims behind the hinge leaf to bring it out slightly. This will effectively move the door away from the strike side of the jamb.
C. Door Binding on the Strike Side (Latch Side):
- The Problem: The door is rubbing against the jamb on the side where the latch is located.
- The Solution:
- Shim the hinges: Place cardboard shims behind the bottom hinge to push the top of the door away from the jamb. Alternatively, shim the top hinge to move the bottom of the door. Experiment with the shims until the door no longer binds.
- Plane or sand the door: If shimming doesn't provide enough clearance, remove the door and carefully plane or sand down the edge where it's binding. Remove only a small amount of material at a time and test the fit frequently.
D. Door Binding on the Hinge Side:
- The Problem: The door is rubbing against the jamb on the hinge side. This often happens if the frame has shifted.
- The Solution:
- Deepen the mortise: Remove the door and the affected hinge. Using a chisel and hammer, carefully deepen the mortise (the recess where the hinge sits) in the door or frame. Remove small amounts of material at a time until the hinge sits flush or slightly below the surface.
- Plane or sand the door: As a last resort, you can plane or sand the hinge side of the door. However, this is usually only effective for minor binding.
E. Door Binding at the Top or Bottom:
- The Problem: This can happen if the frame has settled or if the door has expanded due to humidity.
- The Solution:
- Plane or sand the top or bottom edge: Remove the door and carefully plane or sand the edge that's binding. Be sure to maintain the original angle of the edge.
4. Reinstall and Test
- Once you've made the necessary adjustments, reinstall the door and test its operation.
- If the door still binds, repeat the troubleshooting steps to identify any remaining issues.
- Make sure the door closes smoothly and latches properly.
5. When to Call a Professional
If you're uncomfortable with any of these steps, or if the problem is severe (e.g., a significantly warped frame), it's best to call a professional carpenter.
