How To Fix A Sticky Exterior Door | 3 Easy Fixes

I will walk you through 3 possible fixes to make your exterior door easy to open and close. If you are a beginner, no problem, as I will completely explain each step making this DIY repair approachable regardless of your skill level.

[sonias.]

Thanks! I just fixed two outside doors that have been like this since we moved into this house two years ago. My husband said we would have to call a handyman. I decided to look it up on youtube and give a go...I just saved us some money thanks!

[rogerolivier]

I just watched another video and to fix that door the way he did it, you basically have to be like a NASA flight Engineer with no less than 27 years experience 🤣, your video and explanation was so simple and easy to follow, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[Rockinrn]

Bending the hinges fixed my very badly sticking interior door. However, the hinge half with 3 knuckles was affixed to the door instead of the jam. I enjoy your videos, very straight forward and you get right to the point.

[damianzanone]

Thank you, it worked! I had already tried step 1 and 2 and I was about to sand/plane down the wooden edge of my door. This was a superior option.

[RichardCrosson-fh]

Just got a new door handle for my door, and it was very sticky. After inspecting the door, I realized it had the exact same issue the one in the video had. I bent the hinges as instructed, and the problem was fixed! Extremely pleased with this video. Thank you!

[concorde]

Works like a charm! I replaced a door that was sticking near the top. I took the pin out of the hinge and bent two of the prongs back just a little. Replaced the pin and no more sticking!!! Thank you for the upload!

[jonathanhathaway]

I use a couple of hinge adjustors at work as a maintenance guy, but I found your fix to be very practical. I'll remember that for future issues. I also like how all you needed was a crescent wrench. Thanks!

[LateBoomer]

Yep just what I needed. I've been struggling with this front damn door since I moved in almost 13 years ago. Thank you.

[mikemerna]

Thanks for this video! I was able to fix my door in 5 minutes after watching your diagnostic tips. I have Andersen doors and it’s someway, as they have this “in/out” thing on the hinges that move them in/out with just a few turns either way. Job done.

[hannamyers]

Time saver! After trying to smack extra shims around the frame we watched this video.. our top hinge just needed adjusted. It's fixed now. Thank you!

[jeffhansman]

Just did this on a pre-hung door that would not close. With a shim on the jamb side, the pin finds its way into the knuckles easily. Worked like a charm.

[kimranahmed]

Very helpful. I am closing on a home in a couple weeks that already has two rubbing door that seller didn't wanna take care of. WDO said no wood rot or anything. Hopefully I can do something like this to adjust the swings, I didn't know hinges play all these adjustment role too. Thanks again!

[robertbeck]

Thank you!! I was all set to plane the frame and never thought to check the hinges. Top one was loose. Tightened. Problem solved.

[kensturrock]

your tweak with the wrench on the hinges is fantastic, it saved me a lot of grief, bending the hinges out a touch allows me to open my front door now, as i only have use of my left side it saved me a lot of heavy lifting to take the door down, thank you very much

[diyjohn]

For the hinge, would prefer to deepen the top hinge slot on the frame. This will give you the same result, but, you are free to replace with any hinge in the future without having to bend them again.

For the top, try driving long wood screws right through the frame to pull it up. Usually that will give you that space you needed. You may need to apply some caulking to hide the crack from that extra space.

[sminthian]

If you're replacing any hinge screws on exterior doors, use 3"-4" screws. You should change out those screws anyway if it has short screws, 1"-2" has almost no security against thieves kicking the door in, they just barely hold the door in place on its own.

[abcrst]

You are wizard!! Thank you for saving me from planing down and repainting my doorframe.

[magnumbull]

I've seen these videos before but I was unclear as to which hinges needed to be adjusted and more importantly, in which direction. Thanks for explaining about the knuckles on the hinges to the door.

[majgoku]

Thanks for posting this! I have the same problem in the same spot so I followed your steps and it seemed to correct the top corner! Now the bottom corner is sticking. 🤤 I assume I should do the same bending on the bottom hinge knuckles?

[Rexag]

I can fix or build most things...however, doors give me hives...when I hear " Hey Dear, the garage door utility room is sticking again." There goes my day. It never is something easy dealing with a door. Most help never address my situation because it will always be unique in some way. This time, mine was bending the hinge. This wasn't suggested mainly because they want you buying new hinges and repairing the door frame from stripped screws - an all day joy, Thank you for keeping it simple. And, if I can get cooperation in relocating the dirty laundry pile farther from the doorway it will eliminate closing towels in it. This will help greatly...let's see how this fix goes over.