When an interior door sticks in the door frame and is difficult to open or close, or if it is no longer latching properly, it is often the result of the weight of the door pulling on the hinge side of the door frame.
Over time, this pulling can cause the door to become misaligned in the frame. Fortunately, this is easy to fix.
What Causes a Stuck Door?
Although it is not always obvious on visual inspection, the sides of the door hinges that hold the door to the frame often begin to give way a little after years of pressure. These hinges are typically held against the door frame by just a few screws or nails, which may be beginning to pull out.
When these fasteners loosen, even slightly, from the frame, the resulting sagging of the door can cause part of it to rub against the frame. Likewise, when a door sags, the latching mechanism may no longer line up properly either, making it impossible to fully close.
Home Door Repair With One Screw
When this type of door misalignment occurs, the easiest and quickest fix is to replace one of the top hinge screws with a longer screw in order to pull the whole mechanism up and flat against the door frame again. A longer screw can reach deeper into the support structures behind the door frame to offer extra stability.
How to Replace a Hinge Screw to Fix a Door Latch
To reinforce the loose hinge, it is best to remove a screw that is closet to the pivot point of the hinge. (Keep in mind that the issue typically lies with the screws that hold the hinge to the door frame, NOT the screws which hold the hinge mechanism to the door.)
To replace a hinge screw:
- Prop the door in the open position
- Most household door hinges will have three screws. Remove the top one or two.
- Replace the removed screw(s) with screws that are at least 3" long (found in hardware stores and usually available in black or brass)
- Drive the new screw until just snug, then tighten one or two turns more
- Check the door for rubbing/latching
- If still rubbing, tighten screw a few more turns until problem is resolved
A three inch screw will typically be long enough to anchor itself into the framing lumber hidden behind the door frame. If using an electric or battery-powered drill to drive the new screw, use caution. Inadvertently sinking the screw too deep may crack the door trim or pull the frame apart at the corners. Tighten just a little at a time to be safe.
Hint: A screw is much easier to drive into wood if it's lubricated. Many people know that soap works for this, but skin oil works equally well. An old carpenter's trick is to rub the screw on that oily patch of skin on the bridge of the nose.
With a just a few minutes and a single screw, this common and irritating household problem can be a thing of the past.
 |
 |
