How To Modify An External Door That Is Bound?

Close the door and observe where the latch hits the strike plate. Mark the areas where adjustment is needed. Remove the strike plate from the door frame and use a chisel to enlarge the mortise if necessary. Reposition the strike plate and secure it with screws. Test the door to ensure it latches smoothly.

Adjust the strike plate by raising or moving it so the door contacts higher when closed. Plane or sand the door to remove material from the rubbing edge.

Shimming the hinges is one of the most effective ways to repair a skewed door. This process involves adding thin pieces of material behind the hinges to adjust the door’s position within the frame.

Remove the door from the frame and unscrew the screws from the problem hinge. Carefully deepen the mortise with a chisel and hammer. First, cut the perimeter edges using 2-3 match sticks and a little wood glue. Let it set up for an hour and then re-mount the hinges.

Close the hinge-side gap by bending the knuckles. Set an open-ended adjustable wrench, also called a Crescent wrench, just larger than the hinge knuckle. Remove the screws in the hinges if they feel loose. Over time, the screws in your hinges might come loose and cause your door to sag.