Home Improvement and DIY
A careful check can reveal whether the frame, hinges or latch needs attention.
Open and close the door slowly to locate the exact point of resistance. Note whether it rubs the frame or swings freely but fails to latch; each symptom calls for a different check.
With the door open, turn the handle and watch the spring-loaded latch retract and extend. If it catches or moves poorly, investigate the handle or latch before changing the frame hardware.
Look for scrape marks and compare the gaps around the door. A rub near the top, bottom or side can guide your first inspection, but check the hardware and clearance rather than assuming one cause.
Inspect hinge leaves and screws, tightening loose screws with a hand screwdriver until secure. If the door swings freely but the latch misses, compare the bolt with the strike opening before adjusting it.
Wood can expand as it takes up moisture, reducing clearance and causing a door to bind. Note whether the problem appears in damp weather, and look for moisture sources before considering any trimming.
Check hinges, latch alignment, frame position and possible moisture first. If the door is still swelling or the frame has shifted, removing wood may not fix the cause and can leave a poor fit later.
If you confirm the rubbing edge and the door is otherwise aligned, remove only a small amount of wood from that spot and protect the finish. Retest after each change instead of making a large adjustment.
When the door closes freely and the latch barely misses the strike opening, compare their positions with the door nearly closed. Adjust only if the plate is secure, then test the latch again.
After each adjustment, check that the door swings without rubbing, closes without force and latches properly. Stop if the fit worsens, a hinge moves or the strike plate no longer sits securely.
If careful checks do not solve the problem, or hardware will not stay secure, get help rather than forcing the door. Match replacement parts and measurements to the existing hardware before buying.
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