7 Tips to Fix a Door That Won't Close

Youmna Rehman • Apr 17, 2024

Struggling with a stubborn door that just won't close properly? It's a common nuisance that can disrupt your daily routine and compromise your home's security. You're not alone in this frustration. Imagine the annoyance of trying to shut a door, only to have it stubbornly stick or refuse to latch. It's enough to drive anyone crazy!


But fear not, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. With a few simple tricks and tips, you can bid farewell to your door troubles and restore peace to your space. From identifying the root cause of the issue to implementing practical solutions, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to slammed doors and hello to smooth, hassle-free closures.


So, if you're ready to reclaim control of your door and put an end to the headache, let's dive in together. By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to tackle any door-closing dilemma head-on. Get ready to say hello to a world where every door closes with ease. Let's make it happen!


Read more about What to do when locked out of home?


Identify Your Door's Weak Spot

Let's start by getting to the bottom of your door dilemma. Picture this: you're standing in front of your stubborn door, scratching your head, wondering why it just won't cooperate. Well, the first step to solving any problem is understanding it.


So, grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and let's take a closer look at your door. Your door is like a trusty friend, but even friends have their weak spots. Your target audience? Anyone who's ever felt the frustration of a door that just won't close properly. That could be you, your neighbor, or even your grandma!

Now, let's get down to business. Take a good look at your door. Is there any visible damage or misalignment? Maybe it's sagging a bit or has some scratches from that time you moved the furniture. Whatever it is, don't worry. We're in this together. Remember, we're here to simplify things, not complicate them.


Next, let's dig a little deeper. What's causing your door to misbehave? Is it the hinges? The latch? Or perhaps it's just feeling a bit neglected and needs some TLC. By identifying the weak spot, you're one step closer to finding the solution. And trust me, we've got plenty of tricks up our sleeves to help you out.


Read more about Installing a home security system!


Perform a Lipstick Test

Alright, friend, it's time to get a little creative. Ever heard of the lipstick test? No, we're not talking about beauty routines here. We're talking about a simple trick that can help you uncover why your door is acting up.

Imagine this: you grab your favorite lipstick (or any colored crayon will do), and you apply a generous swipe to the edge of your door where the latch meets the frame. Sounds easy, right? That's because it is!


Now, here's the fun part. Gently close the door and then reopen it. Voila! You'll see a telltale mark on the door frame, revealing exactly where your door is sticking. It's like magic, but better!

This trick is perfect for anyone who's ever felt the frustration of a door that just won't latch properly. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a quick fix, the lipstick test is your new best friend.


Tighten Screws

Hey there, handy homeowner! It's time to roll up those sleeves and get down to business. If your door is giving you trouble, it might just be a case of loose screws. But fear not, because we've got a simple solution that anyone can tackle.


First things first, grab your trusty screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the screws) and let's do a quick inspection. Check all the screws on your door hinges, knobs, and strike plates. Are any of them feeling a bit wobbly? If so, you've found your culprit!


Now, it's time to tighten things up. With your screwdriver in hand, give those screws a good twist until they're snug and secure. Don't be shy - it's better to err on the side of too tight than too loose.

But wait, there's more! While you're at it, take a look at the screws on your strike plate. Sometimes, a simple adjustment here can make all the difference in getting your door to close properly.

Sand or Plane the Door

Hey, DIY enthusiast! Ready to tackle that stubborn door once and for all? If your door is sticking or rubbing against the frame, it might be time for a little sanding or planing action.

Grab your sandpaper or planer (if you have one) and let's get to work. But before you dive in, take a moment to assess the situation. Where exactly is your door rubbing? Is it the top, bottom, or sides? Knowing this will help you target your efforts more effectively.


Now, here comes the fun part. Gently sand or plane the areas of the door that are causing friction. Remember, it's all about removing just enough material to create a smooth, even surface. Take your time and check your progress frequently to avoid going overboard.


But hey, don't worry if you're not a seasoned pro at this stuff. We're all about keeping it simple and straightforward here. With a little patience and elbow grease, you'll have that door gliding open and shut like a dream in no time.


Assess for Warping

Hey there, homeowner! Let's talk about something that might be causing your door trouble: warping. Now, I know it sounds fancy, but it's really just when your door isn't quite straight anymore.


So, how can you tell if your door is warped? Well, start by giving it a good look. Does it seem a bit bent or twisted? Maybe it's not sitting quite right in the frame.


But don't worry, assessing for warping is easier than it sounds. Just take a step back and look at your door from different angles. If it looks like it's seen better days, chances are, it might be warped.

Now, what can you do about it? Well, that depends on how bad the warping is. Sometimes, you might be able to fix it yourself with a little adjustment to the hinges or some shims to level things out. Other times, you might need to call in a pro to help straighten things out.


Conclusion

Congratulations, my friend! You've tackled the challenge of fixing a stubborn door like a true DIY champ. From identifying the problem to implementing practical solutions, you've shown that with a little determination and know-how, any obstacle can be overcome.


As you reflect on your journey, remember the importance of patience and perseverance. Fixing a door that won't close may seem like a small task, but it's these everyday triumphs that build confidence and empower us to take on bigger challenges.


So whether you tightened screws, performed the lipstick test, or assessed for warping, pat yourself on the back. You've not only restored functionality to your door but also reclaimed peace and harmony in your home.

As you move forward, keep in mind the valuable lessons you've learned. And remember, if you ever find yourself facing another door dilemma, you're armed with the knowledge and skills to handle it like a pro.

Share by: