Step by Step Door alignment - How to fix a sticking, binding or crooked door without refinishing:
Fig. 1

A common problem is a door which is not straight in the jamb resulting in binding, sticking, rubbing, etc. We recommend the use of Hinge Shims to align the door in the jamb without refinishing the door.

First, examine the door's uneven gap. It is usually tight, or rubbing at the top and has a wider gap at the bottom. Often, this is due to the door hinge screws only penetrating or anchoring in the thin millwork of the jamb, rather than the more substantial 2x4 stud in the wall.

Over time, the millwork (jamb) bends, due to the door's weight and the door becomes out of alignment with the jamb. To correct this misalignment, you will need to shim the hinge opposite the wide gap (see Fig. 1).

Each hinge shim will move the door 1/16". To correct larger gaps, fold together the number of shims required (see Fig. 2).
Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Open the door to access door hinge screws. Remove top and bottom screws as shown in Fig. 4
Fig. 4

Fig. 5

 Loosen center screw 1 1/2 turns (Fig. 5). This keeps the door in place while allowing space behind the hinge to insert shim (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6

Now slide the desired thickness of shim between the jamb and hinge leaf (Fig. 6 & 7).
Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Tighten center screw, then reinstall top and bottom screws (Fig. 8).
Fig. 9

Completed door alignment.
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