Fix Door Latch Alignment

How to adjust a door that will not latch.

Fix door latch alignment.

The problem of a door not latching is commonly caused by a misaligned strike plate so the first thing you have to do is to check the strike plate first for alignment. Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. Other times the misaligned door requires a more challenging repair like shimming the hinges. How to adjust a door by the hinges for better alignment it can be the case that a door springs open on its own when you try and close it.

When your door doesn t latch the problem may not be with the latch itself. Step 3 align strike plate. If it binds on the latch side at the bottom you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly.

Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. Luckily this is an easy fix and all that you need is a screwdriver small chisel hammer and a pencil or marker. Tighten the screws or repair the screw holes. While it is possible it isn t functioning properly or is out of alignment it.

Try applying wd 40 or a silicone lubricant if the latch is still catching in the door. When a door latch won t catch it s because the latch doesn t align with the hole in the strike plate. How to fix a door that won t latch shut in 2 min click show more for all the links as a professional locksmith it s something that i do regularly so. If a door binds on the latch side at the top the upper hinge may be loose.

In some cases a simple fix like tightening the hinges is enough. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. Door lock doesn t latch properly. If the door still does not latch properly then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch.

A binding door may need to be planed but often simpler repairs will solve the problem. When a door latch doesn t click into position it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. Beginning to make sure the door will latch properly.