Door Sticking or Not Latching? Easy Fixes to Try

Doors sag, houses settle, and screws work loose in soft wood over time. Most sticking and latching problems have simple mechanical fixes.

Diagnose it

• Rubs at the top on the latch side: the door is sagging, usually from loose top hinge screws.
• Closes, but the latch misses the hole: the strike plate is out of line with the latch.
• Sticks all around, especially in the monsoon: the wood may be swelling with humidity.
• Squeaks: dry or dirty hinges.

Fixes that usually work

1. Tighten every hinge screw on the door and the frame.
2. If a screw just spins, replace one screw in the top hinge with a longer screw that reaches the framing behind the jamb. That pulls the door back into position.
3. Look for scratch marks where the latch hits. Move the strike plate, or file its opening slightly, so the latch drops in.
4. For squeaks, lubricate the hinge pins.

Exterior doors and Arizona weather

On exterior doors, check the weatherstripping and door sweep. Gaps let in heat, dust and light, and a door that doesn’t seal makes the AC work harder. Weatherstripping dries out and cracks in the sun and is worth replacing when it does.

When to call us

Call if the frame is cracked or split, the door still rubs after tightening, it needs planing or trimming, or you want a new lockset, a storm or security screen door, or a new door altogether. See our door repair and replacement.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. This guide is general information. When in doubt, or for anything involving gas, wiring or major water damage, call a professional.