Fix Door Latch Alignment

How to adjust a door that will not latch.

Fix door latch alignment.

If it binds on the latch side at the bottom you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws. 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. While it is possible it isn t functioning properly or is out of alignment it.

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. Beginning to make sure the door will latch properly. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. Luckily this is an easy fix and all that you need is a screwdriver small chisel hammer and a pencil or marker.

Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. 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. Other times the misaligned door requires a more challenging repair like shimming the hinges.

If not do the lipstick test smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate. When a door latch doesn t click into position it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. A misaligned door results in uneven gaps along the edges and often affects closing and latching. Step 3 align strike plate.

Tighten the screws or repair the screw holes. Try applying wd 40 or a silicone lubricant if the latch is still catching in the door. Door lock doesn t latch properly. 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. When your door doesn t latch the problem may not be with the latch itself. If the door still does not latch properly then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch.