How A Door Works

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If a door doesn’t close all the way, sticks or doesn’t latch properly, the problem could come from a variety of sources: the door itself, a hinge, the jamb, the stop, the strike plate or the latch. Even if you do not plan on repairing it yourself, with a few simple tests you can determine the cause of the problem which will help you get a fair price for repairs. Some repairs can be handled easily without taking off the door, making it even simpler for a first time do-it-yourselfer.

To deal with door problems, it also helps to know the standard terms used with doors and door openings:

• Door jamb – Three pieces that frame the door’s rough opening.
• Stop – Three narrow pieces of wood that are nailed to the face of the jamb. They stop the door from closing too far.
• Casing – Decorative molding applied to the face of the wall, bridging the space between the wall and the jamb.
• Locket – A set of hardware combining a doorknob or a handle, a lock or a latch, a strike plate and its associated decorative elements.
• Strike plate – The metal piece on the door frame into which the door latch fits to secure the door when closed.
• Threshold – A raised strip of wood, often oak, that fills the space between the bottom of the door and the floor. Essential in exterior door installations, optional with interior doors.