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How to fix a door that won’t Latch?dvslocksmith.com/2021/10/21/how-to-fix-a-door-that-wont-latch

We’re all aware that when we twist a door handle or shut a door, we’re moving a little bolt

into a slightly bigger strike plate in the door jamb. Nothing is more inconvenient than

closing a door after you to have it open up once again by itself. The door unlatches and

swings every time you shut it as if a spirit is pulling on it. The worst part is when it occurs

in the middle of the night, hours later. What is the problem here, though? Slamming the

door shut will not solve the problem. You can contact Lock Installation in Chicago to

solve this problem. This article will guide you on how to fix a door that won’t latch and

you can do it yourself.

Why does the door not Latch?

The latch is missing the strike plate on the door frame when it won’t latch. This

misalignment is common when a door is used frequently, as hinges can cause a door to

drop over time.

There are a few quick techniques to discover what’s causing the issue, and many of them

are simple to solve. Check where the latch is contacting the strike plate to figure out

what’s causing the problem. If the problem is triggered by faulty hinges, mismatched

hinges, or a small strike plate hole, the area where the latch hits can indicate the source.

It’s crucial to determine whether the latch is skipping over or beneath the strike plate

before attempting to fix the issue. Apply a marker to the door latch to see where the

impact is happening. Shut the door after placing a piece of tape on the strike plate. Then

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you should open the door. Where the latch struck the strike plate, the marker should have

left a trace.

Slumping hinges may be the cause of the problem if the mark is below the strike plate.

However, if the connection is made over the striking hole, the strike plate’s placement is

more likely to be the problem.

Use a screwdriver to adjust the hinges.

As gravitational force pulls the door down, aging doors and doors that are often used may

lean at the hinges. This affects the door’s movement and may cause a misaligned door

latch that connects with the strike plate below. Fasten the screws in the door hinges with a

screwdriver to ensure that the door frame securely holds the door.

If adjusting the screws doesn’t work, try using a bigger screw on the door jamb and

gently draw in the whole door frame. When the latch touches underneath the strike plate,

push the screw into the top hinge to help bring the door into place. If the latch engages

above the strike plate, push the screws into the lower hole to help draw the door down.

Shim Under the Hinges

If the issue remains after tightening the hinge screws, shimming or sanding the door

frame may be required. Removing hinges from the door frame and cutting a tiny

cardboard box to match the hinge is the first step in shimming the hinges. Reinstall the

hinge and inspect the door after the cardboard is in position. If the issue is caused by

fallen hinges, shimming usually corrects the door’s balance. The supplementary material

acts as a buffer, supporting the hinge and balancing the door.

Nevertheless, the issue could be triggered by hinges that are too shallow or too small for

the hinge’s size. Replace the hinges and sand the hinge mortise to the proper depth, as

well as the mortise’s edges, to accept the hinge. Make sure they’re parallel with the door

frame, and the door is positioned appropriately.

Use a metal file to extend the strike plate.

Although a perfectly balanced door will close completely, the latch and strike plate holes

may be out of position. If the door corrections didn’t fix the problem, the strike plate hole

could be the cause. Check to see if the latch is striking the strike plate up or down the hole,

as well as how far the latch is out of alignment. If the striking plate hole is out of line, the

complete strike plate hole will move. If the misalignment is minor, consider enlarging the

hole. After detaching the strike plate from the door frame, expand the hole with a metal

file. The ideal choice for expanding the strike plate hole is a round file. It should match

the curve of the latch hole. The latch should slip into the strike plate hole without

carrying, pushing, or otherwise influencing the door outside of its motion.

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Raise or lower the striking plate

Check if the latch is out of position after utilizing the marker test. Then, evaluate the

contact point of the latch to the strike plate hole. The door will not latch properly even if

the striking plate hole is larger. After ensuring that the door is aligned and the hinges are

secure, You should move the strike plate to a new point aligned with the latch.

To begin, take the strike plate out of the door frame. Then widen the strike plate mortise

with a sharp knife and a hammer. It will enable the strike plate to shift upwards or

downwards depending on the latch’s position. Check the door’s movement and ensure the

new strike plate location aligns with the latch. It should shut quickly without scraping or

sticking on the frame. Pierce two small holes and attach the strike plate if the latch and

new strike plate are positioned correctly. Check to see if the door shuts and latches

smoothly. If there is a problem with the lock, contact Rekey lock in Chicago.