Full demo with Handles, latches & bolts
Are you tired of wrestling with a stubborn door that won’t close properly? As a young homeowner or renter, learning basic door maintenance can save you both time and money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through fixing a common household problem: a sticking door.
What our How to video fixing this door that won’t close
Why Learn DIY Door Maintenance?
Before diving into the repair process, let’s address why developing these skills matters:
- Save money on contractor call-out fees (typically £50 or more)
- Build confidence in handling other home maintenance tasks
- Develop practical skills using common household tools
- Address issues immediately rather than waiting for a professional
Essential Tools You’ll Need when your door won’t close
To fix a sticking door, gather these basic tools:
- Screwdriver (Check your screws and use the right one!)
- Hand plane or electric plane
- Block plane
- Chisel (19mm or similar)
- Hammer
- Stanley knife (optional if the hardware has been painted)
Step-by-Step Door Repair Guide
1. Assess the Problem
First, identify where the door is sticking by observing:
Whether the door sticks at the top, bottom, or along the edge
The gap (margin) between the door and frame
Any rubbing marks on the door edge
2. Remove Door Hardware
Before making any adjustments:
- Remove the door handle covers carefully, running a screwdriver or knife round the edge to loosen from the paintwork if needed.
- Take out all screws from the handles
- Remove one side of the handle then wiggle the spindle. It should loosen the other side. If it doesn’t (as in the video) you may need to unscrew the other side to get the handle out.
- Unscrew the latch. Remove the latch mechanism by putting your screwdriver through the spindle hole and giving the latch a sharp tug towards you.
- If present, remove any barrel bolts or additional hardware. Don’t be tempted to leave them on – it will destroy your plane!
- Clean any black residue from old hardware to prevent staining and clean your hands.
Pro Tip: When removing hardware, place all screws in a safe container to avoid losing them.
3. Planing the Door to help it close
For manual planing:
- Start with the leading edge (the side that opens)
- Use steady, even strokes with a block plane (block planes are the smallest manual planes used for edges and detail work).
- Check progress frequently by closing the door
- Once it closes, move onto a Jack plane, smoothing plane or electric plane for the longer strokes up the flat edge of the door.
- Aim for a consistent 2-3mm gap around the entire door. Use a pencil and square to mark it up if needed.
For electric planing:
- Set the plane to remove 0.5mm at a time
- Work in sections (bottom to handle, handle to top)
- Pay attention to start and stop marks, removing them with a final light pass
- Make final passes with a lighter 0.25mm setting to achieve a smooth finish, planing the whole length of the door.
4. Finishing Touches
After achieving the right fit:
- Use a block plane to remove sharp edges and drippy paintwork
- Clean up any sawdust or debris
- Test the door’s movement. If all is smooth, you’re good to put the hardware back on.
5. Reinstalling Hardware
- Check if the latch plate needs adjusting due to planing
- Use a hammer chisel to deepen the latch recess. Chisel around the edges, then take out the middle as shown in the video.
- Reinstall all hardware securely, making sure it fits well in the recess before screwing back in.
- Test the door’s operation several times, making sure the latch doesn’t hit the door frame.
Additional Tips for Success
- Take your time with each step
- Make gradual adjustments rather than removing too much material
- Keep tools clean and sharp for best results
- Consider marking your progress with a pencil
- Clean up any residue promptly to prevent staining your door
When to Call a Professional
While many door issues can be handled DIY, consider professional help if:
- The door frame itself is damaged
- The door is severely warped
- You encounter structural issues
- The repair requires specialized tools you don’t have
Preventive Maintenance
To avoid future door problems:
- Regular inspection of all doors
- Prompt attention to any sticking or rubbing
- Maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels
- It’s easier to adjust a door quickly than to leave it and then have to remove the door altogether.
Investment in Your Home Maintenance Skills
Learning to fix a door that won’t close is just the beginning. Each DIY project builds your confidence and saves money on home maintenance. The tools and skills you acquire on this project can be applied to numerous other household projects.
Remember, home maintenance doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with simple projects like this door repair, and gradually build your DIY expertise. Your wallet—and your home—will thank you!
If you want to practice fixing a sticky door with professional help, why not come on our Basic woodworking course, where you’ll get to do just that?
