How to Fix a Sagging Door That Rubs Against the Frame in 10 Minutes

The Frustration of a Sagging Door

Over time, heavy interior and exterior doors can begin to sag under their own weight. When this happens, the door will scrape against the top or side of the frame, stick when you try to open it, or refuse to latch properly. Before you call a carpenter or start planing down the wood, there is a simple, highly effective fix that takes less than 10 minutes and costs almost nothing.

Most sagging doors are caused by the short screws in the top hinge pulling loose from the door jamb, or the jamb itself settling. By using the "3-inch screw trick," you can pull the door jamb back toward the wall framing studs, instantly lifting and realigning the door.

Tools and Materials Needed

• One 3-inch wood screw (construction or deck screw)
• A screwdriver or power drill
• A helper (optional, but helpful to hold the door)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Locate the Rubbing Point

Close the door slowly and inspect the gap (called the "reveal") between the door and the frame. If your door is sagging, you will likely notice a very tight gap or rubbing at the top corner opposite the hinges (near the handle), and a wider-than-usual gap on the hinge side near the top.

Step 2: Inspect the Top Hinge

Open the door to expose the hinges. Focus on the top hinge, as it bears almost all of the door's hanging weight. Check the screws holding the hinge to the door jamb (the wall side). If they are loose, do not just tighten them—standard hinge screws are only about 1 inch long and have likely stripped the wood inside the jamb.

Step 3: Remove One Center Screw from the Jamb Side

Locate the screws on the hinge plate attached to the wall frame (jamb). Choose the middle screw hole on the jamb side of the top hinge. Use your screwdriver or drill to completely remove this single, short screw.

Step 4: Drive in the 3-Inch Screw

Insert your 3-inch wood screw into the empty hole. Slowly drive the screw in using your drill or screwdriver. Because this screw is much longer, it will pass all the way through the thin door jamb, cross the empty gap behind it, and bite deep into the solid wood 2x4 framing studs of your house.

As you tighten the screw, it will draw the hinge and the door jamb toward the wall stud. Watch the door closely: as the jamb is pulled tighter to the wall, the far corner of the door will visibly lift.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Close the door to test the fit. If it still rubs slightly, tighten the 3-inch screw another turn or two. If the door now closes smoothly and latches without effort, you have successfully fixed the sag. If the door is exceptionally heavy, you can repeat this process by replacing one screw in the middle hinge with a 3-inch screw as well.