How to adjust a door

Adjustment is for a door that still has a good slab and jamb. If the wood is blown out or the unit is the wrong size, skip to a replacement.

Hinges

• Snug all screws. Replace any that spin.
• A #9 or #10 screw, about 2.5 inches, in the top hinge often lifts a sag.
• A hinge shim behind one leaf can change how the door sits in the opening.

Strike and latch

• Mark where the latch hits the plate with lipstick or a marker.
• File the opening or move the plate if it is off by a small amount.
• If you need more than a small move, the jamb may have shifted. That is a repair, not a tweak.

When adjustment is not enough

Warped slabs, rotted jambs, and prehung units that were set out of plumb need more than a screwdriver. Use the form if that is your door.

Related: how to fix a sticking door and door service.