Door Repair Guide: Fixing a Door That Won’t Latch

Are you struggling with a door that won’t latch? It can be frustrating and inconvenient, but don’t worry — I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll provide you with valuable tips and techniques to troubleshoot and fix your door latch issues.

Whether you’re dealing with a door latch that isn’t catching, won’t stay closed, or simply needs adjustment, this DIY door latch repair guide is for you. You don’t need to be a professional handyman to tackle these common door latch problems.

By following the step-by-step instructions and implementing the door latch repair tips provided here, you’ll be able to fix the issue and restore the functionality of your door latch.

Tighten the hinges using a screwdriver

If the latch on your door contacts below the strike plate hole, the problem may be caused by sagging hinges.

Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws in the door hinges to properly support the door by the door frame.

If tightening the screws does not solve the issue, consider using a longer 3-inch screw on the door jamb side of the hinge to grab the wall framing and pull in the entire door frame slightly.

For example, drive the screw into the top hinge to help lift the door into position if the latch contacts below the strike plate hole, and drive the screw into the bottom hole to help pull the door down if the latch contacts above the strike plate hole.

Shim or sand down under hinges

If the problem of a door that won’t latch persists even after adjusting the screws in the hinges, it may be necessary to shim or sand down the door frame. Shimming the hinges involves removing the hinges from the door frame and inserting a small piece of cardboard or a similar material into the hinge mortise. This extra material helps realign the door if the issue is due to sunken hinges.

If the problem is caused by misaligned hinge mortises that are too shallow or not large enough, the hinges need to be removed. Sanding down the mortise to the correct depth, as well as the edges of the mortise to accommodate the hinge, is the next step. After sanding, the hinges can be replaced, ensuring they sit flush with the door frame for proper balance.

By shimming or sanding down under hinges, you can address misaligned hinge mortises or sunken hinges that may be preventing your door from latching properly. This adjustment can significantly improve the functionality of your door and ensure a secure closure.

Enlarge the strike plate hole with a metal file

If your door is properly balanced but the latch and strike plate hole are still misaligned, you can try enlarging the strike plate hole. Start by determining whether the latch is contacting the strike plate above or below the hole and measure the extent of misalignment. If the misalignment exceeds ⅛ inch, it may be necessary to move the entire strike plate hole. However, if the misalignment is ⅛ inch or less, you can attempt to widen the hole.

To enlarge the strike plate hole, begin by removing the strike plate from the door frame. Choose a metal file, preferably a half-round file that matches the curvature of the latch hole. Use the file to carefully widen the strike plate hole incrementally, ensuring that you maintain the proper alignment and avoid damaging the surrounding area. Regularly check the fit by inserting the latch into the strike plate hole to gauge progress.

If successful, the latch should slide smoothly into the strike plate hole without requiring excessive force or causing the door to operate outside of its normal range of motion. This adjustment can help resolve issues related to strike plate hole misalignment, latch and strike plate misalignment, and door latch operation.

Move the strike plate up or down

If the lipstick test shows that the latch and strike plate are more than ⅛ inch out of alignment, the strike plate needs to be moved to a new position that lines up properly with the latch. To accomplish this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the strike plate from the door frame.
2. Use a sharp chisel and a hammer to enlarge the strike plate mortise.
3. Move the strike plate up or down based on the latch alignment.
4. Check the swing of the door and ensure that the new strike plate position is properly lined up with the latch, so the door can close smoothly without rubbing or catching on the frame.
5. If the latch and new strike plate position are properly aligned, drill two small holes and secure the strike plate.
6. Test the door to ensure proper closure and latching.

Moving the strike plate up or down is an effective solution for strike plate realignment. By adjusting the strike plate mortise and drilling new holes if necessary, you can correct the latch and strike plate contact position, ensuring that your door latches securely.

Using a quality epoxy putty to fill old screw holes

If repositioning the strike plate requires filling old screw holes, a high-quality epoxy putty can be an effective solution. Epoxy putty is specifically designed to restore, rebuild, and repair wood, providing a durable and permanent fix for your door.

To begin, prepare the epoxy putty by cutting off a small piece and kneading it until the color is uniform. This ensures proper mixing of the epoxy resin and hardener, maximizing its effectiveness.

Next, push the epoxy putty into the old screw holes, making sure to fill them completely. Use a leveler card or even an old credit card to remove any excess putty, ensuring a smooth and even surface. It’s important to remove any excess putty before it cures.

Allow the epoxy putty to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As it cures, the epoxy putty hardens, creating a surface that is even harder than wood. This ensures a strong and durable foundation for securing the strike plate.

Once the epoxy putty is fully cured, reposition the strike plate in the desired location. Use a screwdriver to securely fasten it into place, making sure the screws penetrate the epoxy putty and reach the underlying wood for maximum strength.

By using a quality epoxy putty to fill old screw holes, you can effectively reposition the strike plate and ensure a secure and functional door latch. The epoxy putty serves as a reliable solution for restoring wood and providing a long-lasting repair.

How to reposition a strike plate and drill fresh holes

When repositioning a strike plate, it may be necessary to drill new holes for proper alignment. Follow these steps to ensure a secure and accurately positioned strike plate that allows the door to latch correctly:

1. Start by removing the screws from the strike plate, carefully detaching it from the door frame.
2. Identify the new position where the strike plate needs to be placed to achieve proper alignment and allow the door to latch smoothly.
3. If any wood needs to be removed from the door jamb for the strike plate to fit flush and remain properly recessed, use a wood chisel or a power tool to make the necessary adjustments. Take caution and work slowly to avoid any damage to the door frame.
4. After preparing the strike plate and the door jamb, it’s time to fill the old screw holes. To accomplish this, insert broken toothpicks coated with wood glue into each hole. This method helps create a solid foundation for the strike plate to be secured in its new position.
5. Allow the wood glue to dry completely before proceeding.
6. Once the toothpicks and wood glue have dried, place the strike plate into the correct position on the door jamb. Ensure that it aligns perfectly with the latch and allows the door to close and latch properly.
7. Use a self-centering drill bit or an awl to start the new holes for the screws. This ensures that the drill bit remains centered and the holes are properly aligned.
8. Install the screws into the newly-drilled holes, securing the strike plate firmly to the door frame. Take care not to overtighten the screws, as it may cause damage to the strike plate or the door frame.

With the strike plate repositioned and the new holes drilled, your door should now latch smoothly and securely. This method guarantees a proper alignment of the strike plate, ensuring that the latch engages effortlessly. Make sure to test the door’s operation and adjust if necessary.

If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about repositioning the strike plate and drilling fresh holes, consider seeking professional assistance to ensure the job is done correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing a door that won’t latch is a common issue, but it can be easily resolved with a few simple adjustments and repairs. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly identify and fix alignment problems with your door latch.

First, check if the latch contacts the strike plate correctly. If not, tighten the hinges using a screwdriver or shim and sand down the door frame if needed. If the latch and strike plate are misaligned, try enlarging the strike plate hole or moving the strike plate to a new position. These adjustments should help your door latch properly.

If necessary, consider using a quality epoxy putty to fill old screw holes and reposition the strike plate with fresh holes for a more secure fix. With the right techniques and tools, you can easily troubleshoot and repair door latch issues, ensuring that your door stays closed and secure.