How to Fix Sticking Doors With Adjustable Hinges

Close the door partially, just until it hits its sticking point. If the door hits somewhere along the side jamb, the hinges need a horizontal adjustment. If the door hits somewhere along the upper jamb, the hinges need a vertical adjustment. Open the door.

Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the appropriate adjustment screw on the upper hinge leaf. Some manufacturers label their screws, while others place the horizontal adjustment screw on the hinge leaf and the vertical adjustment screw on the hinge knuckles.

Turn the screw approximately one-eighth of a turn in the appropriate direction to adjust the hinge so the door does not stick. In a vertical adjustment, turning clockwise adjusts the hinge up and counterclockwise adjusts the hinge down. In a horizontal adjustment, clockwise adjusts the hinge away from the jamb and counterclockwise adjusts the hinge toward the jamb.

Repeat the same adjustment to the two remaining hinges. Close the door to check how it fits in the opening. If it still sticks, adjust the hinges with another one-eighth turn.