Fix Door Latch Alignment

When a door latch won t catch it s because the latch doesn t align with the hole in the strike plate.

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. If the door still does not latch properly then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch. Door lock doesn t latch properly. If a door binds on the latch side at the top the upper hinge may be loose.

If not do the lipstick test smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate. When your door doesn t latch the problem may not be with the latch itself. Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. When a door latch doesn t click into position it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment.

If it binds on the latch side at the bottom you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws. Step 3 align strike plate. Other times the misaligned door requires a more challenging repair like shimming the hinges. A misaligned door results in uneven gaps along the edges and often affects closing and latching.

In some cases a simple fix like tightening the hinges is enough. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. Tighten the screws or repair the screw holes. 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.

Try applying wd 40 or a silicone lubricant if the latch is still catching in the door. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. 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. This could be because the hinges are chopped in too deeply causing the edge of the door and the frame to bind against each other when shutting the door.

Beginning to make sure the door will latch properly. Luckily this is an easy fix and all that you need is a screwdriver small chisel hammer and a pencil or marker. While it is possible it isn t functioning properly or is out of alignment it.