How to fix main door not closing properly?

[AlanS5]

 my door is not closing properly at the top frame. Seeking out advice for best way and tools to trim the top of my door - sanding/chipping it away? 

TIA

[EricL]

Hello @AlanS5 

Thank you for sharing your question about your timber door not closing properly. My first suggestion is to check the hinges, are any of the hinges loose or its screws loose? If it is loose, I suggest changing screws to tighten the hinges again. Has the door structure been affected by moisture as a section of it might have been unpainted? You'll need to wait for the door to dry up before you begin trimming the top section of the door. 

I suggest using an Ozito ¼ Sheet Orbital Sander at 40grit. This should trim down a bit of your door, if it is not enough, I suggest getting a more aggressive tool such as a XU1 810W Corded Belt Sander. My best advice is to paint the top surface of the door once you've finished sanding to seal it properly. 

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as work gloves, goggles and a dust mask.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @AlanS5 

If the hinges are all secure as @EricL suggested, with the door closed draw a "level" straight line across right to left so the gap will be consistent when the door is trimmed down.

Remove the door with a helper as it will be heavy. If you have a sander (not a belt sander), start with 120G moving to 180g and keeping flat in all directions as possible. If you don't have a sander, use a sanding block straight along the top not across at all and start with 80G. Seal the top of the door with oil to protect it from moisture. Then refit the door.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @AlanS5 

I would go along the route @Nailbag has suggested, It may seem like a pain to remove the door but really it saves so much effort. I have done the "leave door in place" and yeah you end up with non straight lines, you run into issues on the hinge side and lastly being accurate on top of a ladder while sanding with a door that wants to vibrate... Easier way is the right way

Dave 

[Nailbag]

Spot on @Dave-1   And even with the door fully open you can never get right to the top hinge end where this issue appears to be. 

Nailbag