I live in a 1930s terraced house (which I rent). The front door is wooden, and when we moved in in September, we had no problems opening or shutting it. Now, however, it's *really* difficult to open and shut. It is rubbing against the frame on both the side that opens and the base. It takes a massive yank to open it and I literally have to shoulder charge it to close it! And it won't shut properly, so although I can only get the yale lock at the top to engage, it's impossible to lock the more secure mortis lock (which obviously isn't ideal).
As I say, it's a wooden door and it has been very damp in the UK of late - so I'm guessing that could be the problem (ie it's expanded), particularly as it was fine before. I'm happy to ask my landlady to do something, but I'm not sure what I should be asking for!
Any suggestions gratefully received (rubbish door-related puns less so!).
Thanks!
2007-01-18 01:16:11 · 18 answers · asked by Chris S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Just get a wood plane and skim off the area causing the problem!
Do a little at a time - easier to take wood off than put back on!
2007-01-18 01:20:25 · answer #1 · answered by jamand 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not familiar with the term terrace house,but try this. Remove a screw from the top hinge on the jamb(preferably one towards the center of the jamb). replace it with a 2 and 1/2 inch screw. Draw it up as much as you can to pull the opposite top of door away from the jamb. Hopefully you have a little margin on the latchside from the center of the door down. If so, loosen the bottom hinge and slide a shim(something like the paper from the back of a note pad) behind the hinge. Retighten screws. Also check all screws for tighteness. If you pull a diagonal measurement on the "slab" you`ll probably find the whole thing is sagging from the hinge to the latch side. You should make this measurement inside a panel or glass opening, not corner to corner of the door. Chances are it`s been cut once or twice since 1930. Typically the joints between the rails and stiles loosen over the years and gravity takes it`s toll. Proper sealant and maintenance usually fends off this situation. When left unchecked, the results are obvious and some times quite difficult if not impossible to repair.
2007-01-18 20:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by william v 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All wood expands in damp weather and shrinks again in warm weather, so most exterior wooden doors give trouble in Winter. The only thing you can do (cos you're not a carpenter) is first of all get a screwdriver and make sure all screws are tightened in the hinges. After you've done that get a candle and rub it around the door, this should hopefully make it shut better. Plus a swift kick in the right place if it doesn't! Good luck.
2007-01-18 03:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by Sandee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a small leangth of 2 x4 and a hammer. Hold the wood up near the top hinge in the frame while the door is open. Give it a few good whacks and it will level out the door frame . Continue as needed. It may separate trim around the door so fill it in with caulk! ENJOY!!
2007-01-18 01:28:03 · answer #4 · answered by p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi You can either get some rough sand paper place it rough side against door and door Jam and gently open and close door until problem is cured
Or if you are able to take door off ( but b4 doing so mark door with a pencil where its not fitting) and if you have one plane the sides just gently
when you come to do the bottom of door YOU must not plane but you must saw as you have different grains in the wood
Enjoy your self but dont rush job
ORAC60 /DEBIE E`s DAD
2007-01-18 01:54:36 · answer #5 · answered by Debbie E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you shave a bit off it, it wil be draughty when the wood shrinks again.
If the door has been there since the thirties I guess it doesn't need any adjustment. Most wooden doors get a bit more sticky at this time of year.
Mind you, it looks like your door does need "excessive force" so i'd have a word with the landlady.
2007-01-18 01:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
either plane the door where it sticks, or it possibly could be that the door has gone out of level. Especially if it rubs at the top of the side that opens and at the base farthest from the hinges. Check the top-most hinge to see if all screws are tight and/or possible shim the bottom hinge if that is the problem.
2007-01-18 01:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by H_A_V_0_C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two possibilities othe than swelling are that the door jamb nails need to be driven back in or the hinge srew have loosened up a bit and need to be tightened back up. If that doesn't work then using a plane to shave the door may be in order.
2007-01-18 01:26:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, since you rent the house it's your Landlords responsibility to fix it. You could if you were so inclined stop paying rent until it is fixed. The second thing you can do if you are so inclined, but be careful because your landlord might not like you doing it, is to Plain the sides of the door slightly till it fits.
2007-01-18 01:33:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you will need to do is reshim your door. For that you will have to take off the door trim. Just buy the shims at any hardware store. Sounds like you would need to start at the bottom and make sure that you get it level. Insure that you do have a level as well.
2007-01-18 01:22:18 · answer #10 · answered by protruckdriver71 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋