Door Problem Diagnoser
Pick the symptom and a few clues — get the most likely cause ranked by confidence, the recommended fix, DIY difficulty, time, and indicative ₹ (DIY vs carpenter), with a link to the matching repair guide. Indicative India 2026 — confirm on site.
Describe the problem
The leaf swings but won't sit shut, or springs back / catches before the frame.
Optional clues (sharpen the diagnosis)
The tool ranks likely causes for your symptom and re-weights them by your clues. It's DIY guidance, not a substitute for a carpenter, locksmith or technician — and never a substitute for one where the fault is structural, glass, or an automatic / electric door (isolate power first).
Most likely cause
Swelling / binding
The leaf has swollen or the frame moved, so it binds before it shuts.
Difficulty
Moderate DIY
Est. time
1 hr
DIY cost
₹200–600
Recommended fix
Find the rub mark (rub chalk on the edge, close, see where it transfers), then plane/sand that edge 1–2 mm and reseal it.
How likely is each cause?
Confidence across the candidate causes for “Won't close (won't shut flush)” given your clues. The top bar is your most likely culprit.
Other possible causes & fixes
1. Swelling / binding 37%
Moderate DIYFind the rub mark (rub chalk on the edge, close, see where it transfers), then plane/sand that edge 1–2 mm and reseal it.
2. Loose / dropped hinge 26%
Easy DIYTighten all hinge screws; if they spin, fill the hole with matchsticks/dowel + glue or fit longer screws, then re-hang.
3. Latch / strike misaligned 21%
Easy DIYMark where the latch hits, then file the strike-plate hole or re-seat the plate a few mm so the bolt drops in cleanly.
4. Warped leaf 16%
Call a proMild warp: weight/clamp it flat for days, add a third hinge, or fit an extra latch point. Severe warp = replace the leaf.
Confirm the diagnosis & the safe fix
DesignAI can sanity-check the cause, list what to inspect first, and tell you when it's safer to call a carpenter or locksmith than to DIY.
Go deeper
Assumptions & notes
- Confidence is a relative ranking among the listed causes for your symptom — not a certified inspection. Two causes often combine (e.g. a swollen edge and a loose hinge).
- Costs are indicative for India 2026 and vary by city, timber/hardware grade and access. Carpenter rates assume a half-day visit (₹400–1,500); metros run higher.
- GST 18% applies to goods/parts (filler, seals, hinges, locks, sweeps); labour quotes vary. Confirm the final figure on site — a carpenter may be needed.
- Reveal-gap rule of thumb: ≈3 mm at sides/top, 6–12 mm at the bottom. Bigger or uneven = binding or a draught path.
- For structural frames, glass doors, or automatic / electric / smart doors, treat this as background only and call a qualified technician — isolate the power first.
Related Guides — Deep-dive reading
Door Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Any Door Fault (India 2026)
Symptom to cause to fix for every common door problem in Indian homes, with difficulty, time, cost and when to call a carpenter.
Home Doors & EntrancesDoor Repair Guide India: Fix Holes, Dents, Swelling, Hinges & Locks (2026)
A fix-it reference for Indian homes: every common door problem with a quick fix, a proper repair, a replace verdict, the materials needed, and indicative rupee costs.
Home Doors & EntrancesCommon Home Lift Problems and Solutions (India)
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