A stuck door is usually remedid fairly quickly.  A stuck door may be sticking because of faulty hinges, or the door has become swollen from changes in humidity.   The following steps should provide you with some ideas on how to fix a stuck door.

Steps to take to remedy a stuck door

Check to see whether the hinges to the stuck door are sticking.  This includes checking the top and bottom of the door and the door sides and, with a pencil, mark on the door where it is sticking.

Hinges:

• If the top of the door is rubbing against the door jamb, then check the hinges as the pins can become loose which may cause the door to drop. Place a wedge or book under the door to hold it steady before making any adjustments to the hinges.   If the pins are loose, gently tap them back into place.  Stuck door is now unstuck!

• If the hinge screws are loose, re-tighten them with a hand screwdriver and see if that helps the stuck door to close freely.

• Try oiling the hinges first to see if that helps the stuck door open and close more smoothly.

• If the above suggestions don’t work to clear a stuck door, the next step is to try fitting new hinges as this may also fix the problem.

If none of these options work then it’s time to take to remove the stuck door and take to it with a hand plane.

Shaving the Stuck Door

• Check the door for swelling by running your hands along the sides and edges.

• If you can still close the stuck door,  check the gap between the door frame and the door itself.  To do this use a piece of cardboard and slide it long the sides and top of the door marking  with a  pencil those sections where the door sticks.

• Once you have marked the affected sections of the door,  remove the door and stand the door on its side.  Use a hand planer (or electric if you have one) gently plane that section of the door that is sticking.   Make sure you achieve a smooth plane between the old and new.  The trick here is to make sure when planing that the tool is applied to the surface flat and you don’t allow the plane to skew off to one side.

• Re-hang the door and check for clearance.  If the stuck door closes freely then you are done.  If not, you may need to shave a little more off the door to fix the stuck door.

You may also find the following book on how to repair a Stuck Door – Windows & Door Repairs helpful

The following video will also provide you with a good demonstration on how to fix a stuck door and also provide a some additonal suggestions for clearing a sticking door..

Here are some tools that you can use for fixing a stuck door

Check out the following posts as well:
Installing a Door
Repair Plaster Walls

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