How to fix a binding door

Fix doors that are binding with these simple steps - by Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

If you have a hinged door that is binding on the latch, the first place to look is at the hinges. The screws may have worked loose and a few turns with a screwdriver may solve it. If the hinges are tight, the door will need to be planed or sanded at the point it is rubbing. Here, the screws have ripped completely out of the jamb, stripping the timber and leaving nothing for them to grip onto. It may seem like a big problem, but it is surprisingly easy to fix.

Gather your supplies
PVA glue; 6mm dowel; drill and bits, including 5mm drill bit; tape; screws; hammer; sharp chise

Better Homes and Gardens

Here's how

Better Homes and Gardens

Step 1 With door in open position, knock a wedge underneath the latch side to support its weight. Unscrew hinges and lift door out.

Better Homes and Gardens

Step 2 Drill out holes where screws won’t grip using 5mm bit. Using a bit that is a millimetre smaller than the dowel will make it a tight fit. If the back of the door jamb is visible, as it is here, wrap a piece of tape around drill bit as a depth-guide so you don’t drill too deep.

Better Homes and Gardens

STEP 3 Squeeze PVA glue into holes and tap in a short length of dowel. Using sharp chisel, cut off dowel so it’s flush with the hinge housing. Leave to dry.

STEP 4 Wedge door up in open position. First screw hinges into holes that didn’t need repairing.Drill pilot holes into dowel using hinge as a guide, then screw on.