Every home has that one door. The one that squeaks loud enough to wake everyone up at 2 AM. Or the one that sticks so bad you have to shoulder-check it open.

Good news: most door problems are fixable in minutes. Let's diagnose what's going on and get it sorted.

Squeaky Hinges

The Quick Fix: Lubrication

90% of squeaky hinges just need lubrication:

  1. Open the door to access the hinges
  2. Apply lubricant to the hinge pin and knuckles
  3. Work the door back and forth to distribute
  4. Wipe excess to prevent drips

Best lubricants (in order):

  • Silicone spray (won't attract dust)
  • White lithium grease (longer lasting)
  • WD-40 (quick fix but wears off fast)
  • Petroleum jelly (in a pinch)

Avoid: Cooking oils or vegetable oils — they go rancid and attract grime.

The Better Fix: Clean the Hinge Pin

If lubrication doesn't last:

  1. Close the door and put a wedge under it for support
  2. Use a nail and hammer to tap the hinge pin up and out
  3. Clean the pin with steel wool or fine sandpaper
  4. Clean inside the hinge barrel with a pipe cleaner
  5. Apply fresh lubricant to the pin
  6. Tap the pin back in

This fixes 99% of persistent squeaks.

When It's More Serious

If the squeak returns quickly or the hinge looks damaged:

  • Hinges may be bent or worn out
  • Replacement hinges are cheap ($3-10 each)
  • Match the size and finish of existing hinges

Doors That Don't Latch

The Strike Plate Is Off

The most common cause — the door latch doesn't line up with the strike plate hole.

Diagnose it:

  • Close the door slowly and watch where the latch hits
  • Rub chalk or lipstick on the latch, close the door, and look at the mark on the strike plate

Minor misalignment (less than 1/8"):

  • File the strike plate opening to enlarge it slightly
  • Use a metal file and work slowly

Larger misalignment:

  • Remove the strike plate
  • Fill old screw holes with wooden toothpicks and glue
  • Reposition the strike plate and drill new pilot holes
  • Install with 3" screws that reach the door frame stud

The Door Has Warped

Hollow-core doors can warp from humidity changes:

  • Check if the door is flat by looking down the edge
  • Minor warps may self-correct with seasonal changes
  • Severe warps usually mean replacement

Doors That Stick

Humidity Swelling

Wood doors swell in humid weather and shrink in dry weather:

Quick test: Does it stick more in summer? That's humidity.

Solutions:

  • Wait for dry weather — it may fix itself
  • Sand or plane the sticking edge slightly
  • Seal all edges with paint or polyurethane to prevent moisture absorption

Hinge Problems

Loose hinges are the most common cause of sticking:

  1. Check all hinge screws — tighten any that are loose
  2. If screws spin freely, the holes are stripped
  3. Fix stripped holes with wooden toothpicks and wood glue, or longer screws

Sagging hinges on heavy doors:

  • Top hinge takes most of the stress
  • Replace with 3" screws that bite into the stud
  • Consider adding a third hinge in the middle

The Door Is Too Big

Sometimes a door was never properly fitted:

  • Ideal gap is 1/8" on top and sides
  • Bottom gap depends on flooring (1/2" to 3/4" typical)
  • Planing or sanding the edge may be needed
  • Cutting the bottom requires removing the door

Doors That Won't Stay Open (or Closed)

Swinging Open

The door frame isn't plumb (vertical):

Test: Use a level on the hinge side of the frame.

Fixes:

  • Bend the hinge pin slightly with pliers (creates friction)
  • Add a hinge pin door stop
  • In extreme cases, rehang the door

Swinging Closed

Same cause — the frame is out of plumb the other direction.

Quick fix: Door stop or door holder

Permanent fix: Adjust hinges or rehang

Hollow-Core Door Damage

Got a hole punched in a hollow-core door? It happens.

Small Holes (Under 2")

  1. Stuff the hole with newspaper
  2. Fill with expanding foam, let cure
  3. Cut foam flush with door surface
  4. Apply auto body filler, sand smooth
  5. Prime and paint

Larger Damage

Usually worth replacing the door:

  • Hollow-core doors are inexpensive ($30-80)
  • But they need to be cut to size and hinges mortised
  • Consider calling a pro for proper fit

Door Handle and Lock Issues

Loose Door Knob

Most knobs have a small set screw or release button:

  1. Look for a small slot on the neck of the knob
  2. Insert a flathead screwdriver and turn to tighten
  3. Or press the release button, remove knob, and tighten the mounting screws

Sticky Lock

Lubricate with graphite powder (not oil):

  • Spray or puff graphite into the keyhole
  • Insert key and work it back and forth
  • Oil attracts dust and can gum up the mechanism

Deadbolt Won't Extend

Usually a strike plate alignment issue:

  • Check if the door is fully closed
  • Verify strike plate is properly positioned
  • May need to enlarge the strike plate hole

When to Call for Help

DIY-Friendly

  • Lubricating hinges
  • Tightening screws
  • Minor strike plate adjustments
  • Installing door stops
  • Replacing standard knobs

Better to Call a Pro

  • Hanging a new door
  • Planing or cutting doors
  • French doors or double doors
  • Exterior door weatherstripping
  • Security lock installation
  • Doors that require structural work

The Bottom Line

Most door problems have simple solutions once you diagnose what's actually wrong. Start with the easy fixes — you'll be surprised how often a little lubricant or a tightened screw solves everything.

Need Door Help?

From squeaky hinges to full hardware replacement, we handle door repairs throughout Colorado. Call or text for a quick assessment.

Check out our full Home Repair Services or see our Doors & Hardware service for more details.

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