Problems With Doors of All Types

When They Stick - Check the hinge screws on the door first, then the hinge screws on the jamb (frame).  If they are loose, the door will sag just enough to rub against the frame causing it to bind and stick when closed. If the hinge screws are loose - open the door as far as it can be opened - then tighten all of the screws. If you can't tighten the screws because the holes have become enlarged - remove the screws - then pack the enlarged holes with wooden toothpicks or match sticks that have been dipped in glue - so that together they form a flush surface.  Before you replace the screws, be certain that the glue has set thoroughly.  Tighten the screws securely.

If the door still sticks after the screws are tightened then the problem can be corrected by adjusting one of the hinges. To determine which one, first determine where the door binds.  Close the door and slip a piece of paper between the door and the jamb - slide the paper around the edge.  If it binds at the top corner, the bottom hinge needs adjustment; if it binds near the bottom corner, the top hinge requires the adjustment. To do this open the door to a 90 degree angle. Prop the door open, placing magazines and/or books under and around it.  Next remove the screws that hold the hinge leaf in place. Cut a piece of cardboard, the same size as the hinge leaf and place it behind the hinge leaf. Reposition the hinge leaf with the cardboard shim in place - replace and tighten the screws. Try the door again. If the problem is only partially corrected, try another thickness of cardboard behind the first shim.

Sliding Doors - If it sticks in the track, open the door fully, clean the track along the floor, lubricate the sides and the bottom of the track with a silicone lubricating compound.

Swinging Doors - Dust is the culprit if your swinging door sticks. The spring device in the floor is jammed. Unscrew the places under the bottom hinge - vacuum carefully.  If you find any rust, scrape it off, vacuum again. Then spray the spring and the pivot with a silicone lubricating compound. Re-screw the plates.