Are you frustrated by a door that won’t stay shut? You are not alone. This is a pretty common problem and it comes about due to a misalignment between the latch and striker plate. Show
The upside is you can get the door to work properly by trying a couple of relatively easy fixes. If you were thinking of tossing out the lock hardware, don’t do it yet. Below, we detail simple step-by-step instructions on how to fix a door that won’t latch—try them and you probably won’t need a new lock. ToolsThese are the tools you will need to fix your door:
Materials
Step-by-Step Guide on how to fix a door that won’t latchFollow these steps to repair a door that won’t latch. Step 1. Determine the problemEverything from a latch that sits too low in the strike plate, a sagging or elevated plate, or lose hinges can prevent the door from shutting close. Check for misalignment problems by closing the door and closely watching how the latch locks into the strike plate. If it locks too low, you will need to readjust the position of the plate. Step 2. Assess the hingesLoose hinges can cause the door to sag, which affects the door’s locking mechanism.
Step 3. Push the strike plate down
Step 4. Enlarge the strike plate holeIf tightening the hinges and lowering the strike plate doesn’t keep the door shut, you will have to remove the plate from the jamb and adjust its size to accommodate the latch.
Step 5. Reposition the strike plate
Step 6. Mark the new position
Step 7. Fill in the old screw holesThis next step is a simple precaution to prevent screws or drill bits from accidentally wandering into the old screw holes.
Step 8. Prepare the new screw holes for drilling
Step 9. Cut out a new lower edge for the strike plateRemember the line you had drawn underneath the strike plate to mark the new position? It is now time to chisel it out to make space for the new placement of the plate.
Step 10. Install the strike plate
That’s it! Fixing a door that won’t latch is really that simple.
Extended TipsHere are extra tips to get the most from your door locks:
When was the last time you lubricated your locks? Lock lubrication is often overlooked yet it is a super important maintenance routine. At least once a year, spray some lubricant in the keyhole and if possible in the deadbolt and latch assembly. It is best to use dry instead of petroleum-based lubricants.
A poorly maintained door closer can keep a door from latching properly. When the door closes too slowly it might not latch and if it slams it could damage the locking mechanism. Be sure to adjust the closer’s back heck, swing speed, and latch speed. A quick fix to get your door to lock properlyA door that won’t latch is definitely cringe-worthy but as you can see from the instructions we’ve provided, you don’t need the skills of a locksmith to fix this simple problem. That being said, be sure to take good care of your door locks—what starts as a small latching problem could snowball into a costly repair. Have you tried to fix a door that won’t close shut? Do you have any questions or comments about this common problem? Please leave them below—we’d love to hear from you! |