Why does my interior door not latch?
When a door latch won’t catch, it’s because the latch doesn’t align with the hole in the strike plate. Sometimes you can clearly see the misalignment. If not, do the “lipstick test.” Smear lipstick on the latch and stick masking tape to the strike plate.
Why is my door latch not working?
When a door latch doesn’t click into position, it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door.
How do you open a stuck door latch?
The first thing you can try for opening a jammed latch is to slide a plastic card (e.g. a credit card) between the door and the frame where the latch is located. This will hopefully force back the latch and the door will open.
How do I make my door latch deeper?
Using the appropriate-sized spade bit and an electric drill, cut the hole in the door frame about 1/4 inch deeper. Test the latch mechanism again. If the twist knob stops in the same position with the door opened and closed, the hole is deep enough. If not, use the drill to make the hole another 1/4 inch deeper.
What to do when your door latch won’t latch?
Shave off the inside of the strike plate with a rotary tool and a metal-cutting carbide bit. Remove a small amount and test the latch by closing the door. Continue removing metal until the door latch catches. As a house settles, door latches and strike plates sometimes become misaligned, so doors won’t latch shut.
Why does my door latch not catch the strike plate?
As a house settles, door latches and strike plates sometimes become misaligned, so doors won’t latch shut. Usually you have to push the door in, and either pull up or press down on the doorknob in order to get the door latch to catch in the strike plate. If the movement has been slight, there’s a very simple fix for the problem.
What should I do if my door lock does not catch?
Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. If the latch does not catch, close the door slowly to watch how the latch bolt meets the strike plate. The bolt may be positioned above, below, or to one side of the strike plate. (Scars on the strike plate will show where it is misaligned.)
Why is the lock on my front door not working?
Of course, if it’s on an exterior door, you’ll want to do this when the weather is nice and when it’s safe to leave the door unlocked. When a door latch doesn’t click into position, it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment.