Door sticks at the top or bottom? Stop dragging and rubbing with simple fixes.

A binding door that scrapes the floor or jamb is usually a hinge issue or seasonal swelling. Learn to adjust hinges or plane the door edge.

Category:Doors & Windows

Difficulty:Easy

Time:20 min

Success:50%

Updated:Jul 30, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Door sticks at the top or bottom? Stop dragging and rubbing with simple fixes., start with "Tighten all hinge screws": Open the door and tighten every screw on both the door and jamb hinges with a screwdriver. Even slight looseness can cause the door to sag and stick. Stop DIY if the door frame is cracked or rotted. This is listed as a easy recovery and usually takes about 20 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaDoors & Windows

Estimated time20 min

DifficultyEasy

Stop conditions3

Last updated Jul 30, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceDoor

Current stateSticking

Specific stateRubbing

Failed stepHinge Sag

Likely failure typeMisalignment

DIY boundaryDIY recovery first

paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

Sticking doors are most often caused by loose hinge screws, hinge sag, or a buildup of paint and humidity that expands the wood. The door may rub against the top or bottom of the frame. Tightening hinges and, if needed, planing a small amount off the edge can restore smooth operation without removing the door.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Tighten all hinge screws

Open the door and tighten every screw on both the door and jamb hinges with a screwdriver. Even slight looseness can cause the door to sag and stick.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

Identify where the door is rubbingClose the door slowly and look for gaps. Slip a dollar bill between the door and jamb to test clearance. Mark the tight spots with painter's tape.

Adjust top hinge if door scrapes top, or bottom hinge if scrapes floorTo fix a top rub, remove the top hinge screw closest to the door stop and replace it with a 3-inch screw to pull the door up. For bottom rub, shim the bottom hinge out with a piece of cardboard.

Plane or sand the door edge if necessaryIf adjustments don't fix the stick, mark the high spot, remove the door from its hinges, and plane or sand the edge until it clears. Repaint or seal the exposed wood afterward.

autorenew4. If That Doesn't Work

Try the next recovery options.

Tighten and shim the hingesTry tightening all hinge screws first. If the screw holes are stripped, insert wooden toothpicks dipped in wood glue into the hole, then reinsert the screw for a tight fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my door stick only in summer?expand_more

Humidity causes wood to swell. You can lightly sand the edge during humid months or run a dehumidifier. Avoid sanding too much because the door may shrink and leave gaps in winter.

Can I fix a sticking door without removing it?expand_more

Yes, tightening hinges or using a long screw to pull the hinge plate can often lift the door enough. Only severe sticking requires planing with the door off.

What if the door is out of square?expand_more

If the frame itself is racked, you may need to adjust the frame by shimming the hinges or resetting the door frame, which is a more advanced job.