How do you fix a door that is catching?

Author: Dr. Palma Mueller DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Tighten the screws in the hinges if they feel loose. For a door that rubs against the bottom of the frame on the latch side, then screw in the bottom hinge more. Make sure you use a screwdriver that properly fits into the screws.

How do I stop my door from catching?

  1. Tighten the screws: This is a common and easy fix. ...
  2. Adjust the hinge: Your door might need a little repositioning. ...
  3. Adjust the jamb: Another way of drawing in the hinge is to try driving a long screw through the latch side of the door frame.

Why is my door catching on the frame?

A door may stick at the top of the frame for five main reasons, including loose hinges, door construction relaxing, expansion of wood due to humidity, a settling house foundation that's causing the frame to fall out of square, and thick paint.

How do you fix a door that catches at the top corner?

The easiest way to move the top of the door closer to the frame, is to take the screws out of the top hinge that's attached to the frame, cut a piece of cardboard or a shim the size of the hinge, and then slip it in behind the hinge, then screw the hinge in.

How do I fix a door that won't latch?

To fix a door that won't stay shut, check the hinges and tighten any loose screws, adjust the strike plate so the latch fits, use shims between the hinges and the frame, or replace the hinge pins with longer, thicker pins. If the problem persists,...

How To Fix A Sagging And Rubbing Door That Won't Close! 5 Tips & Tricks That Works! DIY Tutorial!

Why is my door not catching when I close it?

The most likely cause is that the latch isn't engaging properly with the strike plate – the two crucial parts that need to interact in order for the door to stay closed. You'll generally be able to tell by the absence of any clicks or snaps when you push the door closed.

How do you fix a door when the latch is stuck?

To try and fix a door latch stuck within a door, use a flathead screwdriver or a Philips head screwdriver to free the latch. Open the door and hold it in an open position with a door wedge. Next, place the screwdriver at the top of the latch and use a hammer to tap the latch and remove any obstructions gently.

How to fix a catching door?

How to Fix a Sticking Door
  1. Clean the Door and Lubricate the Hinges. The first step for how to fix a sticky door is to clean the outside edge of the door and the inside of the doorframe. ...
  2. Tighten the Hinges and Strike Plate. ...
  3. Replace the Screws. ...
  4. Trim the Door. ...
  5. Refinish the Door.

Will WD-40 help a swollen door?

Will WD40 help a swollen door? WD-40 can help reduce friction and might loosen up a swollen door temporarily. But it's not a permanent fix since it doesn't tackle the root issue, like moisture or humidity. For a long-term solution, try drying out the door or sanding down the swollen areas.

What do you call the part that holds the door?

Door Hinges. Door hinges are made of two metal plates that are attached together with a removable pin. The metal plates are attached to the door and door jamb with screws. Hinges hold the door securely to the door jamb and allow it to swing open and close.

How do you unjam a door?

How to Fix a Jammed Door
  1. Rub a bar of soap along the inside of the door.
  2. Lubricate the door hinges with petroleum jelly.
  3. Tighten the screws on the door's hinges.
  4. Trim the door with a block plane or sandpaper.

Why is my door sticking all of a sudden?

Grime buildup: Heavy areas of grime on door frames can also make it stick. Squeaky hinges: Evidence that oiling or replacing the hinges can help fix a sticky door. Loose screws: If the screws on the door jamb are loose, they can make the door hard to open in winter and summer.

Why does my door keep catching on the frame?

If you notice your door's hinges are bent or suspect this may be the cause of your door rubbing against the frame, the hinges may need to be readjusted or completely replaced. If the hinges are not bent but loose around the frame, you may be able to tighten the screws on the door to make it square in the frame.

Why is my door hitting the top of the frame?

Your door might rub against the frame if it's sagging or when it's just a little too large, but luckily there are some really easy repairs. Adjusting your hinges will solve most of your problems for any type of door, but you may need to trim it if those don't work.

Why is my door not closing properly at the top?

Often, a door not closing properly is a hinge issue. Grab a screwdriver and tighten those screws on both the door and the frame. If the screw holes are feeling a bit loose, consider using longer screws, such as 2-3" screws or inserting wooden dowels (or even some wooden toothpicks) for a sturdier fix.

Will a swollen door go back to normal?

A swollen door may return to its normal size when humidity levels decrease or with a change in temperature, but extensive swelling from moisture or heat often causes permanent warping.

How to fix a door that swells in the summer?

Solutions to Address the Swelling of Doors
  1. Air Drying. For minor swelling, you can use any of the following to fix the door: ...
  2. Sanding. You can also use some sandpaper or sander to get the door sanded and absorb the moisture from the door. ...
  3. Sealing/Painting/Polishing. ...
  4. Replacing the Door.

Where do you spray WD-40 on a door?

Positioning the end of the smart straw about an inch away, spray in short bursts along the hinge, making sure to hit the hinge pin and any seams so that the WD-40 can travel down into the hinge itself.

Why is my door handle catching?

Through use, it's possible for screws to loosen over time. Loose screws cause misalignment, making the latch rub against the strike plate or the door frame and causing sticking door handles. The fix is fairly easy – grab a screwdriver and ensure all the face plates' and door handles' screws are tightened.

Do doors swell in winter or summer?

Winter can have a big impact on doors, especially if you're living in an area with extreme weather. Your door may swell due to changing temperatures, moisture, and ice build-up. However, the good news is that swelling typically improves as the weather warms up and humidity decreases.

Why is my door catching at the bottom?

If you find the door sticking on the bottom edge, then the most likely culprit is the bottom door jamb. This is easily seen to. Simply remove the jamb and screw it back on as tight as you can. It's that straightforward.

How do you fix a door that won't latch easily?

  1. Step 1: Measure the Misalignment. Use bright lipstick to mark your door latch, then close the door (Image 1). ...
  2. Step 2: Tighten Hinge Screws. ...
  3. Step 3: File the Strike Plate. ...
  4. Step 4: Shim the Hinges. ...
  5. Step 5: Move the Strike Plate. ...
  6. Step 6: Sand the Door or Jambs.

How do you unstick a door?

Apply a lubricant to sticky hinges.

WD-40 or another silicone-based lubricant (or even wax) can help fix a sticking door by reducing friction. However, be sure to wipe off any excess lubricant, as too much can actually make the problem worse.

Previous article
How much does it cost for a plumber to unclog a kitchen sink?
Next article
Is GreenPan safe when scratched?