You shouldn’t have to throw your shoulder into a door or lift it off the ground by the knob to get it to close.

A sticking door is a common household problem, and the good news is you can often fix it yourself with a screwdriver and a few basic tools.

The trick is figuring out why the door is sticking before you start making adjustments. Loose hinges, humidity, a misaligned strike plate or a slightly warped door can all cause similar problems, but each requires a different fix.

Here’s how to find the problem and get your door swinging smoothly again.

Why Is My Door Sticking?

Before reaching for your tools, open and close the door slowly and watch where it makes contact with the frame.

Look for these clues:

• Sticking at the top: The door may be sagging, the hinges may be loose or the frame may be out of alignment.
• Sticking at the bottom: The door may be dragging on the threshold or floor or humidity may have caused the wood to swell.
• Rubbing along the side: The door may have shifted, the hinges may need adjustment or the wood may have expanded.
• Closing but not latching: The latch and strike plate may be misaligned.
• Sticking only during certain weather: Changes in humidity may be causing the wood to expand.

Quick tip: Close the door gently and look at the gap between the door and frame. Is it wider at one end than the other? Uneven gaps often point to an alignment problem. You can also look for shiny spots, scuff marks or worn paint where the door has been rubbing.

1. How to Fix a Door That Sticks at the Top

If the top corner of your door rubs against the frame, start by checking the hinges. Over time, hinge screws can loosen, allowing the door to sag slightly.

What you’ll need:

• Screwdriver
• Replacement screws, if necessary
• Drill (optional)

How to fix it:

1. Open the door and inspect all the hinges for loose or missing screws.
2. Tighten each hinge screw with a hand screwdriver until it’s snug and the hinge sits firmly against the door or frame. Don’t force it. If a screw keeps turning without tightening, the hole may already be stripped and need repair.*
3. Close the door and check whether it still rubs.
4. If a screw spins without tightening, the screw hole may be stripped and need repair.
5. If the door still sags, a longer screw through the top hinge into solid framing may help pull the door back into alignment.

If the hinge itself is bent, cracked, or badly worn, it may need replacing.

*If a hinge screw keeps spinning without tightening, the wood inside the screw hole is probably stripped. There are two common ways to fix it.

Option 1: Use a longer screw (easiest)

If the stripped hole is in the door frame, a longer screw may reach solid wood behind the jamb.

1. Remove the loose screw.

2. Replace it with a longer screw of the same diameter and appropriate head style.

3. Tighten it carefully until the hinge sits firmly against the frame.

This works only if there’s solid wood behind the original hole. Check for wiring or plumbing before using longer fasteners.

Option 2: Repair the Hole with a Wooden Matchstick or Cotton Swab Stick

For a small, stripped screw hole, you can use a wooden matchstick or the wooden shaft of a cotton swab to give the screw something to grip.

1. Remove the loose screw.
2. Cut the head off a wooden matchstick or remove the cotton from a wooden swab.
3. Apply a little wood glue (optional) to the stick and insert it into the hole. Add another piece if needed for a snug fit.
4. Break or trim the sticks flush with the wood at the outside edge of the hole.
5. Let the glue dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Reinstall the screw, tightening gently until snug.

The added wood fills the gaps in the stripped hole, helping the screw grip again.

Note: This works best for small, lightly stripped holes. For a severely damaged hole or a heavy door, a glued wooden dowel provides a more durable repair.

We have a separate step-by-step guide to replacing a door hinge that walks you through the process.

2. How to Fix a Door That Sticks at the Bottom

A door that drags across the floor or catches on the threshold may be sagging, swelling or rubbing against something that has shifted.

Start with the easiest fixes:

1. Check the hinges and tighten any loose screws.
2. Look for raised carpet, a loose threshold or damaged weatherstripping.
3. If the door has an adjustable threshold, check the manufacturer’s instructions and make small adjustments.
4. Open and close the door to see whether the rubbing has stopped.

If the door is made of wood and continues to rub even after the hinges and threshold are corrected, you may need to remove a small amount of material from the bottom.

Mark the contact area before removing the door. Use a hand plane or sander to remove a little material at a time, checking the fit frequently.

Important: Don’t start sanding or cutting until you’ve ruled out loose hinges or other alignment problems. Removing wood is difficult to undo. Never trim a fire-rated door or modify an exterior door beyond the manufacturer’s specifications.

After trimming a wooden door, seal or paint the exposed surface to help protect it from moisture.

3. How to Fix a Door That Sticks Along the Side

If your door rubs against the vertical edge of the frame, the problem may be a shifted hinge, a swollen wooden door or an uneven frame.

First, determine whether the door is rubbing near the hinges or near the latch.

Try these steps:

1. Tighten all the hinge screws.
2. Inspect the hinges for bending, damage or movement.
3. Check the gap between the door and frame from top to bottom.
4. Look for paint buildup or swollen wood at the contact point.
5. If the hinges are secure and the door is properly aligned, lightly sand a small area of excess paint or swollen wood if appropriate.

If you sand through the finish, repaint or reseal the exposed wood.

Avoid removing large amounts of material. If the frame has shifted or the door is significantly warped, sanding may only hide a larger problem.

4. How to Fix a Door That Won’t Close or Latch Properly

Sometimes a door swings freely but won’t stay closed. You might have to lift the handle, push against the door, or jiggle the knob to get the latch to catch.

The likely culprit is the strike plate, the metal plate attached to the door frame where the latch enters.

Here’s how to check it:

1. Open the door and turn the handle to make sure the latch moves freely.
2. Slowly close the door and observe where the latch meets the strike plate.
3. Look for scratches or wear marks that indicate the latch is hitting the edge of the opening.
4. Tighten the hinge and strike plate screws.
5. Check whether weatherstripping is preventing the door from closing fully.

If the latch and strike plate remain misaligned, the strike plate may need a small adjustment. Depending on the hardware, you may be able to adjust its position or carefully enlarge the opening.

Don’t move the strike plate until you’ve checked the hinges. A sagging door can cause the same symptoms.

If the problem is actually a stiff or difficult-to-turn lock, see our guide on how to fix a sticky lock.

5. How to Fix a Door That Sticks Because of Humidity

Wood absorbs moisture from the air and expands as humidity rises. This can make a previously well-fitting door rub against its frame.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check for exposed wood. Look for peeling paint or damaged finishes, especially along the top, bottom, and edges of the door. Once the wood is dry, repaint or reseal these areas to help prevent moisture absorption.
2. Reduce excess moisture. Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier if indoor humidity is high. For exterior doors, check for leaks or water entering around the frame.
3. Tighten the hinges. A small alignment problem can become more noticeable when wood expands.
4. Give the door time to dry. If it only sticks during damp weather, it may return to normal as humidity decreases.
5. Sand only if necessary. If the problem keeps recurring, lightly sand or plane the area where the door rubs, removing as little wood as possible. Repaint or seal the exposed surface afterward.

Tip: Avoid removing too much wood during wet weather. The door may shrink when conditions dry out, leaving an unwanted gap.

What Tools Do You Need to Fix a Sticking Door?

Most minor sticking-door repairs require only a few basic supplies:

• Screwdriver or drill with the appropriate bits
• Replacement hinge screws
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Hand plane for minor wooden-door adjustments
• Level
• Pencil for marking contact points
• Paint or wood sealer for exposed wood
• Replacement hinges or strike plate, if necessary

You probably won’t need everything on this list. Identify the cause before buying supplies.

When Should You Replace a Sticking Door?

Most sticking doors don’t need to be replaced. Tightening hinges, correcting alignment or adjusting a strike plate often solves the problem.

However, replacement or professional repair may be necessary if:

• The door is severely warped.
• The wood is rotting or damaged by moisture.
• The frame has shifted significantly.
• The hinges can no longer be securely attached.
• An exterior door no longer closes or locks securely.

If you see significant cracks around the frame, or several doors suddenly begin sticking at the same time, consider having the framing or foundation evaluated before making adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sticking Doors

What is the easiest way to fix a sticking door?

Start by tightening the hinge screws. Loose hinges are a common cause of door misalignment, and tightening them takes only a few minutes. If that doesn’t help, identify exactly where the door rubs before trying another repair.

Why does my door stick in the winter but not the summer?

Seasonal humidity changes can cause wooden doors to absorb moisture and swell. Winter rain and damp conditions may make the problem more noticeable, especially in coastal climates.

Can I use WD-40 on a sticking door?

If the hinges are squeaking or stiff, use a lubricant appropriate for the hinge material and follow the product instructions. However, lubricant won’t fix a door that’s rubbing against the frame because of sagging, swelling, or misalignment.

Should I sand a door that sticks?

Only after checking the hinges, frame, and weatherstripping. Light sanding can help with minor wood swelling or paint buildup, but removing too much material can create permanent gaps. Seal any exposed wood afterward.

Why does my door stick at the top corner?

A loose or sagging hinge is one possible cause. Tighten the hinge screws and inspect the gap around the door. If the hinges are secure, the door or frame may be misaligned.

Can humidity cause interior doors to stick?

Yes. Interior wooden doors can absorb moisture and expand, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and homes with high indoor humidity. Controlling excess moisture and maintaining the door’s finish can help.

Get the Right Hardware for the Fix

Sometimes all it takes is a screwdriver and five minutes. Other times, you need a new hinge, longer screws or a replacement strike plate.

Not sure what you need? Bring a photo of the problem, or your old hardware, into your neighborhood Hassett Hardware. Our team can help you figure out what to try and find the right supplies.

We’ve been helping Bay Area homeowners tackle repairs big and small since 1957.

If your door needs more than a simple DIY fix, our team at Hassett Ace Handyman Services can help with door repairs, adjustments and installation. Call 650.284.4025 or request an estimate online.

Find your nearest Hassett Hardware location.