1. Diagnose the Problem:
* Sticking: Does the door rub against the frame in one or more places? Is it difficult to open or close? Note exactly *where* it's sticking.
* Sagging: Does the door seem to sag, causing it to bind at the bottom?
* Loose hinges: Are the hinges loose or wobbly?
* Warped door: Is the door itself warped or damaged?
2. Common Fixes:
* Loose Hinges:
* Tightening Screws: This is the most common cause. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws in each hinge. If the screw holes are stripped, see the "Stripped Screw Holes" section below.
* Re-setting Hinges: If tightening doesn't work, the hinges might be loose in the door or frame. Carefully remove the hinges (using a screwdriver and potentially a hammer and nail puller for stubborn hinges), clean the holes, and then re-install them, ensuring they are firmly seated. You may need to use slightly longer screws.
* Sticking Due to Swelling (Humidity): Wood doors can swell in humid weather, causing sticking.
* Plane the Door: Use a hand plane or a block plane to carefully shave down the areas rubbing against the frame. Start with very small amounts of wood removal. Work in the direction of the wood grain.
* Sanding: If planing isn't an option, carefully sand the areas that are sticking. Again, start with fine grit sandpaper and go slowly.
* Humidity Control: Address the underlying humidity issue with a dehumidifier if necessary.
* Sticking Due to Paint Buildup: Excess paint on the door or frame can cause sticking.
* Sanding: Carefully sand down any excess paint that is causing friction.
* Sagging Door:
* Shimming: Place thin shims (small pieces of wood or metal) under the bottom hinge to raise the door slightly and level it. Use wood glue to hold the shims in place, or very small finishing nails.
* Stripped Screw Holes:
* Wood Filler: Fill the stripped holes with wood filler, let it dry completely, and then re-drill pilot holes for the screws.
* Toothpicks and Glue: Insert toothpicks into the stripped holes, filling them up, then apply wood glue and let dry. Redrill pilot holes.
* Screw Inserts: Use screw inserts (small metal inserts that you screw into the hole) for a stronger and more permanent solution.
* Warped Door:
* This is the most difficult problem to fix. If the door is significantly warped, replacement might be necessary. You could try to slowly re-straighten it using clamps and moisture (dampening the warped side), but this is a challenging and often unsuccessful repair.
3. Tools You Might Need:
* Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
* Hammer
* Nail puller (if removing stubborn hinges)
* Hand plane or block plane (for planing wood)
* Sandpaper (various grits)
* Shims
* Wood filler
* Wood glue
* Toothpicks
* Screw inserts (optional)
* Level
Important Considerations:
* Safety: Always wear safety glasses when using tools.
* Start Small: When sanding or planing, remove only small amounts of wood at a time to avoid making the problem worse.
* Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable with any of these repairs, it's best to call a professional handyman or carpenter.
By systematically checking these points, you should be able to identify the cause of your door's swing problems and implement the appropriate repair. Remember to take your time and be patient – rushing can lead to more damage.
