You must have come across the times when a door won’t latch. This problem may arise because sometimes the latch does not align with the strike plate. There are various reasons why this misalignment happens. Extreme changes in weather or loose hinges are some of the common reasons.
Thankfully, you can fix this issue on your own without having to call a professional. All you need are some basic tools and an understanding of the process. Continue reading, as this article will walk you through all the necessary steps on how to fix a door that won’t latch.
Contents
Test to Determine the Misalignment
Before you fix any problem, you would first need to find out where exactly the misalignment is. To do so, close the door slowly and observe how the latch fits the strike. Additionally, check if the hinges are working fine because loose hinges cause the door to sag. Sometimes, the misalignment is evident, but if this is not the case, you need to do the lipstick test to identify the gap.
The Lipstick Test
The lipstick test is a hack for the times when the strike and latch misalignment is not visible properly. To do the test, apply a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Now close the door gently and open it again. You will see a mark on the strike plate that will show exactly where the latch is making contact or not aligning properly.
Tools Required
Now that you know the exact place where the latch is misaligning, you can start with the process. Here are the tools that you would need to fix the door that won’t latch:
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Cordless drill
- Drill bit set
- File
- Hammer
- Sandpaper or wooden shims
- Wood chisel
- Protective eyewear
- Wood filler
Step-by-Step Process to Fix a Door That Won’t Latch
As you have addressed the misalignment and gathered the important tools, it is time to follow simple steps. By following the following steps, you will be able to make your door work like before.
1. Tighten the Hinges Using a Screwdriver
The most common cause of the door not locking is loose hinges. This is because screws on the hinges tend to loosen over time, resulting in an imbalance between the latch and the strike plate. Use a screwdriver to tighten all the screws on the hinges and make sure they’re snug and secure.
If tightening does not help, you will need to replace the screws. In this case, you should replace them with longer screws (3-4 inches screws) in the top hinge if the latch hits below the strike plate.
Alternatively, if the latch hits above the hole, drive the screw into the bottom hinge to pull the door downward. This should fix your door’s imbalanced latch. If it doesn’t, you will need to move to step 2 of how to fix a door that won’t latch.
2. Shim or Sand Down Under Hinges
Another reason why a latch is not aligned could be because of hinge mortise. The hinge mortise is a pocket on the door or door frame where the hinge is inserted. Over time, this can sink and cause gaps, making the door sag. In order to fix this issue, start by removing the hinge and placing a thin piece of cardboard behind it to lift it back into place.
If it is necessary, you can also sand down the hinge. Then, reattach the hinge and check whether the door latches correctly. If not, continue to the next step.
3. Enlarge the Strike Plate Hole With a Metal File
Before you think of enlarging the plate, make sure that you do the lipstick test to be precise for the misalignment. If the latch is a little misaligned but the hinges are fine, you should grind down the strike plate hole. You do not need to remove the strike plate to do so. All you need to do is to file down both metal and wood using a metal file.
You could use a Dremel tool or a drill bit to do the task faster. When you are doing this task, make it a point that you wear protective eyewear so that you don’t get metal or wood particles in your eyes. Hereafter, if you observe that the distance between the latch bolt and the strike plate is by ⅛ inches or more, you may have to reposition the strike plate.
4. Move the Strike Plate Up or Down
If enlarging the plate did not solve the problem, you would need to move the strike plate itself. This way, you will be able to adjust the strike plate to align it with the latch by moving it up, down, or sideways. To do so, use a wood chisel to gently make the area around where the strike plate sits. This will give you room to shift the plate in your desired direction.
Once you have placed the strike plate where it will align with the latch, it is time to re-fix the strike plate in its new place. Start with marking the spots for the screws and drill pilot holes to easily screw in the plate. Once you have fixed and secured the plate tightly with the screws, fill any gaps in the mortise with wood filler and allow it to dry.
FAQs
Why won’t my door latch push in?
The reason why the door latch is not pushing in because it is not aligned with the strike plate. The reason behind this misalignment could be loose hinges or a shifted strike plate. You should check these parts to make sure that the latch fits and works properly. In addition, you could also spray lubricant on the latch if this is happening because of the gumming of the mechanism.
Why is my door suddenly not locking?
There are many reasons why the door is not locking, including changes in weather, a damaged key, or dirt buildup in the lock. All these factors cause a malfunction in the locking mechanism. If you are facing this problem frequently, it is recommended that you should contact a locksmith as soon as possible.
How to fix a misaligned door latch?
If you want to fix a misaligned door latch, you should start with tightening all the hinges. In case this does not solve your problem, you can enlarge the hole to let the latch fit in. Alternatively, if the gap remains ⅛ inches or more, you will have to make room in the morse to move the strike plate up or down and re-fix it where it aligns with the latch. You could watch this video to comprehend the process better.
Can I adjust the door latch?
Yes, you can adjust the door latch, as most door latches are adjustable. Furthermore, you can adjust the basket, which is the space between the door line and the center of the latch. The basket can be adjusted with a margin of 2-3/8”-2-3/4” to fit the distance between the locking bolt and the strike plate.
Summing Up
Now you know how to fix a door that won’t latch with simple and easy steps. Whether it is tightening and sanding down the hinges or enlarging and removing the strike plate, the solutions suggested above will resolve your issues quickly.
If you have any questions about door repairs or you need guidance in selecting the door or door components for your business, our team is here to help. Contact Mannlee for reliable solutions.
