Fix Door Latch Alignment

Other times the misaligned door requires a more challenging repair like shimming the hinges.

Fix door latch alignment. 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. A misaligned door results in uneven gaps along the edges and often affects closing and latching. 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.

Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. How to adjust a door that will not latch. 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.

Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. Luckily this is an easy fix and all that you need is a screwdriver small chisel hammer and a pencil or marker. 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.

A binding door may need to be planed but often simpler repairs will solve the problem. While it is possible it isn t functioning properly or is out of alignment it. Step 3 align strike plate. When a door latch won t catch it s because the latch doesn t align with the hole in the strike plate.

If a door binds on the latch side at the top the upper hinge may be loose. When a door latch doesn t click into position it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. If not do the lipstick test smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate.

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. Try applying wd 40 or a silicone lubricant if the latch is still catching in the door. Beginning to make sure the door will latch properly.