A wooden lid starts catching on one corner, and the sandpaper is already within reach. Pause before using it. A loose hinge can let an otherwise sound lid drop out of line; sanding away the rubbing edge may leave an unnecessary gap once the hardware is put right.
Empty the box and set it on a flat, steady bench. Support the lid so it cannot fall while you inspect it, keeping fingers clear of the hinge gap. Close it gently and watch where contact begins. Is one corner arriving first? Is the gap noticeably wider at the opposite side? A light pencil mark at the rubbing spot gives you somewhere specific to check rather than sanding the whole perimeter.
Look for a hinge leaf lifting away from the wood, a projecting screw head or a screw that has backed out. With the lid supported, use a correctly fitting hand screwdriver to snug a loose screw gently. Stop when it seats; extra force can strip a small hole or damage the screw head. If a screw turns without gripping, the hole needs a suitable repair before the hinge can hold its position. Do not substitute a longer screw without checking the available wood thickness.
Open and close the lid again after each adjustment. Remove loose debris from the meeting edges with a soft brush and check whether a latch is pulling the lid sideways. Do not bend a hinge to force a fit. A bent leaf, a damaged joint or a hinge that was fitted in the wrong position calls for a more deliberate repair than tightening screws.
If the hardware is secure but the lid still rubs broadly, consider what changed. Wood can swell as humidity rises, and a box moved from a dry room to a damp space may behave differently. Keep it away from direct heat and moisture and let it settle in its intended conditions before deciding to remove material. If a small high spot remains, sand only that area lightly with a block, check the fit often and restore any disturbed finish with a compatible product.
Practical takeaway: find the contact, secure the hardware and retest before reaching for sandpaper. It is easier to remove a little wood later than to put back an edge that never needed sanding.
Simple RepairsWooden BoxesHand Tools