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Home HOMES DIY

How to realign a door

If a door won't close - adjust the hinges!
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It’s not unusual for an older house to have a door that won’t stay closed. It’s likely the latch and the striker plate on the jamb (into which the latch fits) don’t quite line up.

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To fix this problem, look to the other edge of the door and adjust the hinges. This four-step guide is simple to follow and quick to complete. Here’s how.

Gather your supplies

Utility knife; wedge; thin cardboard; drill and bits

Step 1

Using utility knife, run around bottom hinge, cutting through paint.

(Credit: Better Homes and Gardens) (Credit: Better Homes and Gardens)
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Step 2

Knock a wedge under door to take weight of the door. Unscrew hinge from jamb and fold out.

(Credit: Better Homes and Gardens) (Credit: Better Homes and Gardens)

Step 3

Cut pieces of cardboard to dimensions of hinge. Slip cardboard between hinge and jamb.

Step 4

Using drill, reattach hinge to jamb. This slight padding under the hinge will lift the latch to engage with the striker plate.

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Still having troubles with your door? Try one of these hacks:

How to fix a door that scrapes the floor in 3 easy steps

How to fix a binding door

How to fix a sagging door

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