If the latch won’t spring into the strike plate (Photo 1), observe whether it hits the plate at the top or bottom. After I replaced the strike plate for the door knob on an exterior door, I found that the predrilled screw holes were slightly too far forward. 99. This can be caused by the shifting and settling of wood frames over time. From there you can either widen the hole both of the wood and metal, or you can unscrew the strike and re-secure it in the proper position. Fully Insured - General Liability and Workers' Compensation. Reinstall the Strike Plate. By shutting your door, you can mark the point on the door frame that latch is coming in contact with. Step 2 – Chisel out the Strike Plate. If necessary, remove the door's hinges and adjust them to reposition the door. Defender Security U 9496 Latch Guard Plate Cover – Protect Against Forced Entry, Easy to Install on Out-Swinging Doors – Stainless Steel 3"x7" 4.6 out of 5 stars 200. Gaps along the latch side of a door may be reduced by shimming out the hinges in some cases. Bedroom door lock doesn't latch. Tightening all the hinges may do the trick if the misalignment is minor. I seen the edge strike not being cut in too. The Easiest Way to Install a Replacement Entrance Door on Your Home, How to Replace a Front Door Lock With a Keyed Deadbolt, This Old House: Fitting Old Doors in New Frames, The Family Handyman: Interior Door Repair -- Interior Doors That Won't Stay Closed, How to Reinforce a Door for Security Cheaply, How to Convert a Solid Door to a Dutch Door, How to Replace a Residential Front Door Entry Hand Set. A properly installed door features a 1/8-inch gap along the latch side to allow the door to swing and function correctly. A strike plate is a piece of hardware that works with a lock to keep a door secure. If the gap along the latch side of your door is allowing unwanted air to infiltrate your space or letting expensive heat or cooled air out, weatherstripping can help reduce or eliminate this space. This article describes a trick to relocating holes like this, by fill in the old holes and fix the problem. That one is made to protect thick edged trim or small jamb extension applied to the wrong side of the door. Problem is, it only barely extends into the door frame cavity. Step 6: Fitting a mortice latch keep / strike plate on the lining / frame; Push the door to the frame and where the latch strikes it mark the top and bottom of it with a sharp pencil. Repeat the steps until the latch catches as it should. Make a series of closely spaced cuts into the mortise area. Mark the area around the strike plate that you want to install flush with the wood. 4. If the plate is too close, try tightening the door's hinges to provide more clearance on the lock edge of the opening. 2. Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. If the latch seems properly centered on the plate, perhaps it’s sticking on … The strike plate receives the door latch and/or deadbolt for your door lock. If the mark is too low, raise the latch by tightening the hinges at the top of the door. If the mark is more than 1/8 inch above or below the strike plate … If they don't line up the lock won't work properly. Place the strike plate on so the two lines are central in the hole, like in the picture above. Then it would be a matter of the door not pushing tight enough for the latch to drop into the strike plate hole. Back Next . Turn the knob to open the door and release the knob slowly. Put a piece of masking tape on the strike plate, then line the edge of the latch with some brightly colored lipstick. This moves the door slightly toward the latch side of the opening, effectively reducing the gap to help the door latch securely. Unscrew the strike and slide cardboard shims behind it, then screw it back in place so the screws pass through the cardboard. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. If it only misses by 1/8 inch or less, the problem can likely be solved by tapping the plate in the right direction with a hammer. The latch from the door lock should insert directly into the hole in the center of the strike plate on the doorframe. To correct the problem, adjust the strike plate so the latch bolt lines up and can engage properly. Door latches join the two surfaces together and then secures them in place using a strike plate on the opposite side. The strike plate is the piece of door hardware that attaches to the door jamb and receives the latch. You can also use spring metal or bronze, which can be secured to the stop using small brad nails. If the gap on your door exceeds this standard clearance, your door may fail to latch, leaving you vulnerable to security and privacy problems. Use extreme caution and wear safety glasses when using these tools. If the sound persists, adjust the metal plate that is attached to the door frame so that it doesn’t grind on the latch when the door is being closed. Available in a large variety of sizes and finishes to ensure you can replace like for like and match with your current decor. YALE CHROME TUBULAR LATCH 2.5"/64mm Internal Interior Door Handle Mortice Catch. Posted by 6 years ago. Replace the hinge and screws then repeat to shim all hinges. If the latch is still sticking, you may need to add another piece of cardboard. Use the chisel to deepen the outline marks. We need to update our siding on our home, are there many options available for vinyl siding? When a door latch doesn’t click into position, it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. If the gap along the side of your door is so large that the latch won't catch or barely catches, adjusting the strike can reduce the gap to ensure proper operation. Close the door, reopen it, and observe the results. Free postage. 3. 6 watching. If the door has become misaligned, and the latch doesn't match up with the hole in the strike plate, follow these 5 steps to solve the problem: 1. Bedroom door lock doesn't latch. Copyright © Mr. Handyman, All rights reserved. When a door doesn’t latch properly, it's usually because the door has sagged in the opening, making it so the strike doesn’t line up with the hole in the jamb of the door, called the strike plate mortise. Plane or sand the door to smooth out the joint, then paint or stain the entire door to achieve the desired finish. Rip a piece of lumber that's 1/4 inch thicker than the door using a circular or table saw. Gently tap the chisel into the outline until the marks are about 1/8 inch deep. To know if that’s the case, you can typically just look at the strike plate to get an idea of whether or not things are lined up properly. Smaller than other variations of locks meaning these tubular latches can be fitted with much less effort and minimal cutting and drilling of the door. Close the door and test the fit. Repeat this method for the faceplate on the edge of the door. If the route of travel does not align with the opening in the striker plate, you have found the problem. Use a sharp chisel to enlarge the strike plate mortise. Move the Strike Plate. Take your chisel and enlarge the opening in the door frame for the strike plate, so that it will still … Square these across the widest part of the lining. Turn the knob to retract the latch, close the door, then release the knob so the latch just barely touches the strike plate. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If tightening the hinges doesn't help, measure the misalignment of the lipstick marks on the strike plate. When there is a very large gap between the frame and the latch side of a door, the only way to avoid replacing the door entirely may be to add a strip of wood to the existing door to increase its width. Door Lock Doesn’t Latch Properly. Close. If tightening the hinges doesn't help, measure the misalignment of the lipstick marks on the strike plate. It's a five-minute fix. Trace the outline of the area. Door can be pushed open. Thankfully, the door latches and knobs don't have to be moved to correct these problems. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. Gator Door Latch Restorer - Strike Plate (Satin Nickel) 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,206. To make your doors close quietly lube up the door latch with a lubricant like WD-40. A strike plate -- the metal plate affixed to a doorframe with an opening for a door latch or deadbolt -- that needs repair will show itself when the door lock's latch bolt misses the hole in the strike plate, or when the door won't stay latched or closed. Is the Door Adjusted Properly. If the gap along the side of your door is so large that the latch won't catch or barely catches, adjusting the strike can reduce the gap to ensure proper operation. If the lipstick mark is too high, tighten the hinges at the bottom of the door with a screwdriver. If the mark is more than 1/8 inch above or below the strike plate hole, you may need to reposition the strike plate. 687 sold. You may have to repeat this action to add a second or even a third layer of cardboard as needed to reduce the gap. Jan 13, 2012 - To fix a door that won't latch, simply file the edge of the striker plate until the latch clicks into place. £2.39 to £5.39. £4.85 (£4.85/Unit) Free postage. The insert IS perfectly aligned with the the strike plate cavity. Start by rubbing red lipstick onto the edge of the deadbolt. State and local laws may impact the services this independently owned and operated franchise location may perform at this time. If the latch seems too low, that's usually because the door has sagged. Is the lipstick line too low, or too high? 10 $26.99 $26.99. If the latch is off by 1/8 inch or less, remove the strike plate from the door jamb and enlarge the hole slightly with a file. Click here for our precautionary measures. The misalignment may not be visually apparent, so the first thing to do is the "lipstick test". Once the latch is catching as it should, you can go ahead and tighten up both screws on the strike plate. Latches that don't fit properly into these plates will allow doors to rattle, or prevent them from closing. A common problem that we see with interior doors is that they seem to close OK but don't latch. First try tightening the screws in both the handle and the striker plate. Or is the gap between the door and strike plate too wide? Many problems with doors and hardware can be solved with some adjustment to the door. The GATOR Strike Plates is a new strike plate design anyone can install. You should first test the door latch to ensure the latch is sticking inside the door and not due to a misaligned strike plate. You can move the strike plate up or down and in or out. Get it as soon as Mon, Dec 28. Some simple door and hardware adjustments can help you narrow the gap along your door to maintain security and avoid unwanted air leaks. Coat the end of the latch with either A sharp chisel should be used to enlarge the indented section that holds the strike plate. You will need to use a hole saw to create new openings in the door to accommodate locks or other hardware. If the latch is off by 1/8 inch or less, remove the strike plate from the door jamb and enlarge the hole slightly with a file. If the latch contacts the strike plate at the correct level but doesn't go in far enough, or if the latch strikes more than 1/8 in. Check the exterior side and make sure any writing is upright. Consider equipping the door knob from each side with a door silencer like Latchy Catchy to prevent the latch from engaging and making any noise. 3. The Fix – A short term fix is to move the strike plate to align better with the stuck door latch. Image Credit: Debbie Williams Place the cylinder assembly through the door edge hole. Archived. Hold the strike plate in the proper position and drill new 1/16-inch holes to accommodate the screws. Adjust accordingly. 4. Use your drill to unscrew the strike plate. You’ll notice that the metal will be worn where the strike hits; if this worn area doesn’t line up with the middle of the strike plate, … If you have a door in your home that won't close properly, chances are that it has settled over time, along with the house. 36. Just fixed 3 doors that would not stay closed in my house with these Gator strike plates. 26. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. You can’t simply drill new holes, because the new holes are too close to the old ones. Use cardboard cut from a food packing box, not corrugated cardboard. Replacing a basic residential strike with a thicker commercial strike can also narrow the gap enough for the latch to catch. Apply wood glue to fasten the strip of wood to the edge of the door, then use finishing nails to secure it in place. That will throw it out more than it should be, but it truly is an extended lip strike. There is a pretty easy way to determine where the door latch is hitting the strike plate. 5. Use wood filler to fill in the gap in the indented section that remains visible after moving the strike plate. If the latch is centered on the strike plate, it would rule out those problems. Place the top screw in and tighten it slightly. – Jack Nov 17 '14 at 16:41 too high or too low, you'll need to reposition the strike plate. First, shut the door and take a look at how far off the strike plate is in order for the latch barrel to align with the plate hole. A sticking door latch might require some lubrication, or it might be jamming against the strike plate on the door jamb. Step 7 Check that all writing is upright. Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale offers a wide variety of services to keep your home looking and performing at its best. All locations are individually owned and operated. Please contact the franchise location for additional information. If the door still doesn’t catch, grab a flashlight and study the way the door latch (the flexing part operated by the door handle) hits the strike plate. If it hits too high or low then the door lock won’t latch. Mark the positions of the top and bottom of the latch bolt on the strike plate with a pencil. $9.99 $ 9. $12.10 $ 12. Some services are subject to state and local licensing and may not be available at all locations. 2. If this is not your problem, see 'Door Repair' for all of the Door Repair topics. Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. Double check by standing on the hinge side of the door and close it until the latch bolt just hits the strike plate. Back Next . 4.5 out of 5 stars (3) 3 product ratings - YALE CHROME TUBULAR LATCH 2.5"/64mm Internal Interior Door Handle Mortice Catch. Use self-sticking vinyl weatherstripping to line the door frame, positioning the weatherstripping along the door stop all the way around the frame. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. Door can be pushed open. Any suggestions for decorative planters for flowers outside our home? Door Latch Strike Plate Stainless Steel Plates D Shaped Mortice Latch UK. Remove enough material so that the strike plate sits even with the door frame. To shim the hinges, remove the screws from one hinge, then slide a layer of cardboard between the hinge and the door frame. If you install your strike plate and find that it is too far from the latch, try adding wooden shims behind the plate to bring it closer to the lock. Tightening all the hinges may do the trick if the misalignment is minor. If the mark is too low, raise the latch by tightening the hinges at the top of the door. You may have to add multiple layers. Adjusting the strike plates will align latches. 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