How to realign a door

If a door won't close - adjust the hinges! - by Better Homes and Gardens

How to realign a door

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If you 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. To fix this problem, look to the other edge of the door and adjust the hinges.

Gather your supplies

Utility knife; wedge; thin cardboard; drill and bits

Here’s how

Better Homes and Gardens

Step 1 Using utility knife, run around bottom hinge, cutting through paint.

Step 2 Knock a wedge under door to take weight of the door. Unscrew hinge from jamb and fold out.

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.