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How to fix door that won't close properly?

Hi,

I have a door that doesn't close properly, it seems to be stuck at the bottom and as a result, the deadbolt doesn't align with the strike plate when closed (one has to kick the bottom left corner in for it to align properly). Pictures here.

Thanks

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JacobZ

Hi @ELI5,

Thank you for your question about fixing a door that won't close properly.

Inspecting the gap around the door when it is closed can often reveal what is going on.

Can I trouble you for a photo of the door when it is closed that shows the full door and the gap around it?

When you look at the door while it is fully closed, is the gap on the hinge side of the door consistent from the bottom to the top? Or does it widen as you move up the door?

The top hinge of the door may have bent slightly, which can cause the latch side of the door to drop slightly. This can sometimes be fixed by bending the hinges. If you look up "How to bend hinges to adjust door" on YouTube, there will be videos showing how it is done.

If this is not the case and the gap is even all round, then your door may have swelled slightly, in which case you can unscrew the hinges from the door jamb and plane around 5mm off the bottom of the door using a hand plane. Once the material has been removed, rehang the door and test.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

ELI5

Sure, here is a video of the hinge side of the door when closed.

MitchellMc

Hi @ELI5,

The gap looks quite even. Depending on how badly the door is touching the frame, you might be able to free it up by sanding the contact points on the frame and door. Alternatively, as @JacobZ suggested, you would be best to use a planer to remove a few mm from the door, providing clearance.

Mitchell

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