Your internal doors are some of the most-touched items in your home. Over time, even the best-crafted door might need a little “fine-tuning” due to seasonal changes in humidity or just the natural settling of your house.
The good news? Most common door niggles are easy to fix yourself with a few minutes and some basic tools. Here is how to keep your doors swinging smoothly.
1. The “Sticking” Door
If your door is suddenly rubbing against the frame, it’s usually because the house has settled or the timber has reacted to a change in the weather.
- The Quick Check: Look at your hinges. Often, a single loose screw in the top hinge is the culprit. Tightening it can “lift” the door back into its original position instantly.
- The Gentle Fix: If it’s still rubbing, find the exact spot. Sometimes a quick rub with fine sandpaper on that specific edge is all it takes.
- Pro Tip: If you do sand an edge, remember to “dab” a little of your matching finish or sealer back onto that spot to keep the wood protected.
2. The Annoying Squeak
A squeaky hinge is usually just crying out for a little bit of love.
- The Fix: A quick squirt of silicone spray or a drop of light oil on the hinge pin usually does the trick.
- The “Pro” Way: For a longer-lasting fix, pop the hinge pin out halfway, wipe it clean, and apply a tiny bit of Vaseline or grease before tapping it back in. It’ll be silent for years.
3. The Latch That Won’t “Click”
There’s nothing more frustrating than a door that won’t stay shut. This usually happens when the latch and the hole in the frame are just a tiny bit out of alignment.
- The Fix: Check if the door is sagging (see Step 1). If the hinges are tight but it still won’t click, have a look at the metal “strike plate” on the frame.
- The Adjustment: You can often solve this by slightly loosening the screws on the strike plate and shifting it up or down a millimetre, or using a small metal file to widen the opening slightly so the latch can find its home.
4. Bumps and Scratches
Life happens—especially in busy hallways. Whether it’s a scuff from a vacuum cleaner or a small dent, you don’t need a new door.
- For Small Scratches: A “soft wax” repair stick (available in most DIY shops to match your wood colour) works like magic to hide a scratch.
- The Steam Trick: For a small dent in unfinished wood, place a damp cloth over the dent and touch it with a warm iron for a few seconds. The steam can actually “pull” the wood fibres back up to flat.
Need a Hand?
At Grain and Bolt, we want your doors to look and feel as good in ten years as they do on day one. If you’re struggling with a fit or need advice on which finish to use to prevent sticking, just give us a shout.
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