The doors in your home may begin to bind over time.Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the door in order to fix the problem.Planeing the door edges to relieve the binding is one of the best ways to enlarge a wood door.In order to plane a door, you will need to identify the area that needs to be planed, prepare the door properly, remove wood gradually, and check your work as you go.It is possible to make your door work again with a bit of care.
Step 1: There are areas on the door that show signs of rubbing.
You can find the area that needs planing if the paint on the door and jamb is rubbed by the sticking.There are areas along the edge where the paint is discolored or gone that you need to plane.Draw a circle around the area with a pencil if the discoloration is subtle.When you are on the plane, this will help you find it.
Step 2: There are gaps around the door.
If you don't know where your door is, look at the gap between the door and the jamb when it's closed.In the area where the door is rubbing, the gaps will be the smallest.You can look for more signs of rubbing once you have identified this area.
Step 3: To find trouble spots, open and close the door.
While looking for the point where the door first makes contact, do this repeatedly.Look at where the door makes contact when it catches to find the spots that rub.If the door doesn't close all the way, close it as much as you can and then push all around to see which areas feel loose and which feel tight.The door is catching in the tight areas.
Step 4: You can use pencil marks to verify rubbing areas.
Put pencil marks all over the door when you think you know where it is.Then close and open the door.This is an area of contact that needs to be planed down if the marks are transferred.
Step 5: There are areas that need to be planed.
It's important to mark where to plane so you can find it when the door is in your work area.You can shade the area by using a pencil.If you want to plane with marks, covering the entire area will allow you to keep track of what you have while you are doing it.You can mark the front and back of the door with a pencil as you fly.
Step 6: The door should be removed from the frame.
If you want to take the door off, you have to remove the pin from the hinge.To remove the pin, use a pair of pliers and pull it up on the bottom and upper hinges.Keep the hinges attached to the door frame if you choose to remove them.Either way, get a person to hold the door while you do it.They can help hold the door steady to avoid binding the pin, damaging the hinges, or stripping the screw holes.If you misplace the screws, tape them to the hinges.You don't want to misplace the pins if you put them in the half of the hinge that is still on the door.
Step 7: Put the door on a surface that is stable.
If you want to exert force on the door as you plane, you need a strong surface.You can put the door on a table.If you want it to not move when you plane, secure it with straps or clamps.Take the area you are going to plane into consideration when positioning your door.If you want to access the area, put it in a place that is easy to get to.
Step 8: You should use painter's tape to protect the surface.
The painter's tape should be applied to both sides of the door.To protect the paint or finish from getting dinged by your plane and to reduce the risk of chipping as you remove layers of wood, mask this area.If you want to remove the finish on the door the way other types of tape can, use painter's tape because it comes off easily.
Step 9: Pick a type of plane.
A plane is a tool that requires power to run a small blade over wood.All planes have a smooth bottom.There is a thin open slot at one end of the surface.The handles on the tool push the plane across the wood.There are planes that can be used to plan a door.A bench plane is the most common.It is great for smoothing out the edges of doors because it is held with both hands.A small plane that is held with one hand and works well for removing small areas on a door is called a block plane.Specialty planes can be used to plan a door.If you already own a plane, it will work well enough to plane small areas on a door.
Step 10: The plane should be adjusted to the right angle.
As you plane, you want to take off the thin layers of wood so that the material is removed evenly.The blade of the plane should be adjusted so that it barely peeks out from the bottom.The wheel is adjusted below the plane's handle.To make sure your plane is removing the right amount of wood, run it down a piece of scrap wood.It should work well on your door if the plane easily removes the wood as you push.
Step 11: As you run the plane across the wood, use smooth strokes.
If you are using a small block plane, hold the plane with both hands.Work your way from the outside edge to the center of the door.Don't press hard and only remove small amounts at a time.As you move the plane, keep the bottom surface flat on the wood.If you have it raised up on one side, it will give you different cuts.
Step 12: The plane should be run in the direction of the wood grain.
Light pressure can be applied to the lock sides of the door to remove small amounts of wood at a time.Smooth cuts will be created by running the plane in this direction.Grain runs from top to bottom on many doors.The plane should be run in this direction.
Step 13: The fit of your door can be checked several times.
If you want to avoid taking off too much wood, check the fit frequently.If the door is still sticking, open it and close it.Take the door off if it's still sticking.You will need to take the door off if it isn't.The difference between planing off enough wood and too much is small.
Step 14: Sand the exposed wood.
You should focus on making the surface smooth after the door has been planed down.To remove large grooves created by the planer, run a rough sandpaper across it.A smooth surface can be created by running a fine sandpaper over it.Try to remove as little wood from the door as possible.The door surface needs to be sanded to make it look smooth.
Step 15: You can recoat the area with paint or stain.
If the entire door is painted, apply primer and paint to the exposed surface.If the door was stained, try to blend the stain with the existing stain.If you used the original paint for the door, use it for your planed area.Try to match it the best you can, or use a new color to paint the door if you don't have it.To protect the stain and give it a nice finish, be sure to apply wood sealer to the planed area.
Step 16: Attach the door back to it's original position.
Attach the door to the hinges once you have cut enough wood.Once the door is reattached, make sure it works and doesn't rub.The hinge screws need to be tightened to prevent sagging.