Stop a door rattling in its frame

Fix a rattling door by tightening hinges, adjusting the strike plate, and adding a draught strip.

AB-01Work out why the door is rattlingClose the door and gently push and pull it in different directions to feel where the movement is. Check whether it's loose at the hinges, wobbly at the latch, or if there's a visible gap between the door and the frame. Knowing the cause tells you which fix you need, so don't skip this.

AB-02Tighten or repair the hinge screwsOpen the door fully and tighten every screw in each hinge with a screwdriver. If a screw spins without tightening, the hole is worn and needs repairing. Remove the screw, push a little wood glue into the hole with a couple of snapped-off matchsticks or a wooden cocktail stick, let it dry fully, then re-drive the screw into the now-solid timber.

1 each · Screwdriver

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1 bottle · PVA wood glue

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1 pack · Matchsticks or cocktail sticks

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1 pack · Wood screws (35mm No.8)

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AB-03Adjust the strike plate if the latch rattlesIf the movement is at the latch, the strike plate on the frame needs adjusting. Unscrew it, then either deepen the recess slightly with a chisel if the latch needs to sit further in, or pack thin cardboard behind the plate to bring it forward if the gap is too wide. Refit the screws and check the door clicks shut firmly with no wobble.

1 each · Chisel

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1 each · Thin cardboard (offcut)

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1 pack · Wood screws (25mm No.6)

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AB-04Fit a draught excluder strip if there's still a gapIf a small gap remains between the door and the frame, stick self-adhesive foam or brush draught excluder strip around the inner edge of the frame where the door meets it when closed. Wipe the frame with a dry cloth first so the adhesive grips properly. This stops the rattle and cuts draughts at the same time.

1 roll · Self-adhesive draught excluder strip (5m roll)

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1 each · Cloth

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AB-05Test the door and tidy upOpen and close the door several times, then push it firmly to check the rattle has gone. Sweep up any wood shavings or dust and wipe down the frame. Put your tools away.

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