HOW TO FIX A DOOR THAT WON'T LATCH

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TEST TO DETERMINE WHERE THE MISALIGNMENT IS HAPPENING

Most of the time, the problem with a door that refuses to latch is that the latch isn’t aligned with the strike plate hole where it’s supposed to settle, thereby keeping the door shut.

TEST TO DETERMINE WHERE THE MISALIGNMENT IS HAPPENING

Even if it’s slightly off, it won’t find its way into the hole, and the door will not latch.

To test latch misalignment, apply lipstick to the strike plate. Close the door. Open the door. The lipstick marks indicate where the latch contacts the strike plate.

TEST TO DETERMINE WHERE THE MISALIGNMENT IS HAPPENING

After some quick measuring, you’ll know exactly how off skewed your latching system is, and you can adjust the strike plate accordingly.

TEST TO DETERMINE WHERE THE MISALIGNMENT IS HAPPENING

MOVE THE STRIKE PLATE UP OR DOWN

The strike plate should be moved until it is perfectly aligned with the latch. Then the door will close correctly. Strike plates should be removed before installing new ones. A sharp chisel hammer should be used to enlarge the mortise.

MOVE THE STRIKE PLATE UP OR DOWN

Make sure the new strike plate is aligned correctly. Drill two small holes and secure it. Test the door to make sure it closes and latches smoothly.

MOVE THE STRIKE PLATE UP OR DOWN

If the latch still doesn't work after adjusting the strike plate, there's something else wrong with your door. You may need to replace the entire door assembly, but first, try some of the following fixes.

TIGHTEN THE HINGES USING A SCREWDRIVER

Older doors can sag at the hinges when gravity pulls them down. You can try tightening them to get your door back on the straight and narrow, but you may also need to replace them with slightly longer screws to provide more support.

TIGHTEN THE HINGES USING A SCREWDRIVER

You can also use a hammer to loosen the old screws. Drive the head of the hammer into the screw until it pops out. Then remove the screw and drive another one in its place. Repeat this process for all the screws.

REPLACE THE DOOR HINGE PINS

Old door hinges often break over time. Replacing the hinge pins will make the door stronger, and thus, keep the latch and strike plate aligned.

REPLACE THE DOOR HINGE PINS

Remove the door from the frame by lifting the door off the track. Unscrew the two hinge pins on each side of the door. Slide the new pins into their respective holes. Screw the pins back into place. Replace the door on the frame.