Repair Door Frame Hinge Side

If it binds on the latch side at the bottom you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws.

Repair door frame hinge side.

Tighten the screws or repair the screw holes. By driving a long screw through the latch side of the jamb rather than the hinge side you can often draw in the jamb and give the door a little extra space. Take care not to damage the stop as you remove it from the frame. A binding door may need to be planed but often simpler repairs will solve the problem.

If the adjacent wood is still in good condition it may be possible to cut out the the piece under the hinge plate and replace it with a new block of wood. Drill through the jamb countersink the screwhead with a countersink bit. Remove the door stop and molding. Remove the screws that hold the loose hinge leaf to the door jamb.

Here s how to repair just the split or broken frame area to look as good as new. The hinge mortise is a shallow recess the hinge fits into on the side of the door. The wrong way is a temporary fix not cool. Fix it the right way not the wrong way.

If the hinge and jamb are painted cut the paint around the leaf with a utility knife swing the leaf away from the jamb. The door is pulled open just past the point where the hinges bind. Start at the bottom of the frame and work your way up. If you have a centering hinge drill use the hinge as a template and the finish repair will be better than new and last for years.

Open the door wide and insert a wedge under the bottom outside corner to level it. After time the weight of the door will pull on the hinge and cause the door not to hang straight. If the wood there is not sound then you are likely looking forward to some more serious repair such as replacement of the jamb side board or the whole jamb. 6 screw the hinges back onto the door using screws.

Try this only if drawing in the hinges doesn t work. Clean the dried glue out of the hinge mortise using a chisel. It leaves you with a large screwhead hole to cover. The tool will help to tighten and re align the hinges preventing it from sagging or binding.

If a door binds on the latch side at the top the upper hinge may be loose. These tools slip over the hinges when the door is closed. Use a chisel and hammer or putty knife to pry the door stop and molding away from the frame.