How to Fix a Door That Hits at the Top

Use ordinary sanders to fix sticky doors.

Use ordinary sanders to fix sticky doors.

Doors that stick, rub or squeak when you close them can drive you crazy. This is often caused when the door rubs on the header on the closing side of the door. It can be caused from a skewed door jamb, a door that has become slightly warped or if someone has abused the door. Whatever the reason, it's easier to adjust the door than to adjust the jamb or the hinges. This type of problem is very common but it typically doesn't take much to fix; you don't even need to remove the door.


Open the door. Stand on a stepladder and look at the top of the door. You will see marks where the jamb has rubbed or scuffed the top of the door where it's hitting it. The marks are probably only a few inches long. Use a pencil to scribble heavy pencil lines over the scuff marks on the door.


Install a piece of 80-grit sandpaper on an orbital sander. Climb on the ladder and begin sanding where you marked off the scuff marks. Roll the sander over the corners slightly. It's OK if the top of the door tapers slightly to both sides.


Sand back and forth liberally with enough force to remove all of the heavy pencil lines.


Climb down. Open and shut the door several times. If it still sticks, climb back up, scribble lines on the scuff marks, test and repeat sanding and scribbling until the door shuts without sticking or hitting at the top.


Sand the top of the door with 100-grit sandpaper until smooth. Round the edges lightly. If the door has a natural finish, spray the top of the door with two coats of aerosol varnish or lacquer, waiting 15 minutes between coats for application to dry. If your door is painted, recoat the sanded area to match the rest of the door.

Things You Will Need

  • Stepladder
  • Orbital sander
  • 80-grit sandpaper
  • 100-grit sandpaper
  • Aerosol varnish or lacquer, or paint to match door


  • You can stain the top of the door if you want, but it's not necessary. This procedure also works on the sides of doors.


  • Always wear breathing and eye protection when sanding wood. If you have carpet or other items in your home that might be damaged by sanding dust, use a drop cloth to cover them before proceeding.

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