"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
. ..


Lobster wrote:
Lobster wrote:
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Lobster formulated on Saturday :
So the front door (ancient timber one) is sticking a bit at the
bottom, directly below the latch. Perfectly possible to open it
without problem if you apply a bit of lift to the handle when you
pull, but you know what SWMBO and kids are like.

Something Must Be Done.

I am very loathe to take a plane to it, as I'm sure it's a weather
thing (has happened before) and the timber will shrink back again
leaving too large a gap. (Have had this experience before and
consequently the French windows spend all the winter with a large
strip of duck tape down the middle due to the massive gap between
the doors).

How is it best to handle a problem like this?

If it is a tiny amount, rub a candle along the bit where it is
sticking.

Well that seems to have done the trick nicely, thanks! We'll see how
long it lasts; maybe I need to keep a candle on the windowsill by the
door...

PS Thinking further on this, the problem is probably exacerbated by
wife and kids as the door handle is quite high, so there will be a
natural tendency for them to pull in a slightly downwards direction
anyway, when they open the door.

Two options here, wait for kids to grow & replace wife with taller model -
or, remove screws holding top hinge to frame - you might even find some
cardboard packing, if so remove it. If not shave a little away with a
sharp chisel to deepen rebate, plug screw holes with matchsticks & screw
hinge back.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk


You may also find that the hinge has worn and has allowed the door to drop.
If it doesn't stick when you lift it then it implies there must be some play
somewhere - hinges or wood joints.