Basic door maintenance: Stopping a sticking door with a quick hinge adjustment

There’s nothing more frustrating than an internal door catching on frame, scraping the floor, or refusing to latch properly. These issues are often not due to a warped door but simply a minor misalignment in the frame. Knowing how to fix a rubbing door through a simple door hinge adjustment is a common trick of the handyperson trade.

Step 1: Diagnose the problem area

A quick diagnosis tells you whether you need an adjustment or a shave.

• Top/Bottom rubbing: If the door sticks at the top or scrapes the floor, the door is often sagging due to loose hinge screws, or swelling due to humidity.
• Latch-side rubbing: If the door sticks along the vertical side near the handle (the latch side), the hinges are likely out of alignment or the door is too wide for the frame.

Step 2: The quick door hinge adjustment fix

For many cases of a sticking internal door, a simple hinge adjustment is all you need.

1. Tighten the screws: The simplest way to fix a sticking internal door is to tighten all the screws on the hinges for both the door and the frame. Loose screws are the number one cause of sagging.
2. Use a longer screw: If the screws keep coming loose, the wood in the frame might be stripped. Replace one short screw in the top hinge (the one taking the most load) with a much longer screw (75mm or longer). Drive this screw deep into the timber stud behind the door frame for extra grip.

Step 3: Adjusting the hinge plates (the tapping trick)

If tightening the screws doesn’t help the internal door catching on frame, you can gently nudge the hinge into a better position.

• When to use: When the door rubs slightly on the latch side (on the frame).
• The method: Remove the screws from the hinge plate that is screwed into the door frame. Place a piece of thin card (like a piece of a business card) behind the hinge plate, then screw the hinge back into place. This subtle shim shifts the door a tiny amount away from the rubbing point, instantly fixing the sticking internal door.
• Lubricating door hinges: While not a fix for sticking, a squeaky door needs lubrication. Use a spray lubricant like WD-40 on the hinge pin to quiet the noise.

If none of these simple steps work, the door may need planing (shaving a millimetre off the sticking edge) or the frame itself may need repositioning—both jobs best left to a skilled handyperson.

Why use Rated People for small repairs?

Hanging a door or correcting a warped frame can be a tricky, time-consuming job. Instead of struggling with an awkward, rubbing door, handypersons on our platform can perform a precise door hinge adjustment or planing job quickly. They bring the right tools and expertise to how to fix a rubbing door perfectly, making your home feel effortlessly maintained.

With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.