How to Carry Out Door Repair Yourself

Doors play a vital role in any home or building, providing security and privacy while offering access to a room. They can also add to the beauty of a home’s architecture and improve its curb appeal. But when a door is broken or damaged, it can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, it is often possible to save money and time by carrying out simple door repair yourself rather than replacing the entire door or frame.

To begin a door repair, first assess the damage to determine what can be done and how much work it will take to do it. This can be achieved by talking with a professional, seeking advice from someone who has carried out this kind of project before, or simply by researching the problem on the Internet.

Next, gather the necessary tools and materials to carry out the door repair. This usually includes a power drill with the correct bit size for the lock cylinder hole, as well as some sandpaper to smooth the edges of any cut wood. Depending on the nature of the repair, you may need to replace some components, such as the hinges or the latch strike plate, so be sure to check that these are still available before purchasing new ones.

When you’re ready to start the actual repair, carefully set the door into the rough opening and make sure it is vertically level or plumb (using a carpenters’ square). Fill any gaps at the top or sides with cedar shingle shims. Then nail the head and jambs to the rough framing, using 16d finishing nails, countersinking the nail heads and filling the holes with wood putty. Nail any casing or molding to the doorway with 10d finishing nails.

If your door sticks or swings open when you’re trying to close it, the most common reason is that the hinge pins need adjustment. Place a wood shim between the door and the frame, then use a nail to drive out the upper hinge pin and hammer it to bend it slightly. Repeat on the bottom hinge.

You may also need to reposition the strike plate, which can be done by using a screwdriver to remove it. Then mark its new position on the jamb with a pencil, being careful not to scribe into the mortise.

Once you’ve repositioned the strike plate, you can drill the new hole for the latch bolt and install it with the screws. Re-attach the strike plate, then test the latch to make sure it is working properly.

Doors can stick for a variety of reasons, from poor construction to extreme humidity. While some problems can be solved with a few basic tools, others require more advanced techniques and specialized tools. If you find that you can’t fix your door by yourself, a professional door service will help solve the issue and save you time and money. The best way to save money is to purchase the necessary materials and hardware yourself and perform the repairs yourself, as this will ensure that you aren’t paying any upcharges.