Door will not latch: what to check before buying hardware

What to check first

1. Loose hinge screws

   Tighten every hinge screw. If one spins in place, replace a screw in the top hinge with a 3 inch screw that reaches the wall framing.

2. Strike plate alignment

   Rub a little chalk or lipstick on the latch and close the door. If the mark lands above or below the opening in the strike plate, file the opening larger or move the plate.

3. The latch does not reach

   If the gap between the door and the frame is too wide, shim behind the strike plate or fit an adjustable strike.

4. A sticking latch

   If the latch bolt does not spring all the way out, spray it with dry lubricant, or replace the latch.

5. A swollen or shifted door

   If the door rubs the frame, humidity or settling has moved it. Tighten the hinges first, then plane the edge if it still rubs.

Parts you may need

• 3 inch hinge screwsMatch the finish of your hinges.
• Adjustable or replacement strike plateMatch the finish and the shape of the corners.
• Door latchMeasure the backset, the distance from the door edge to the center of the knob hole: usually 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch.
• Dry graphite or silicone lubricantOil-based sprays attract dust inside the latch.
• Wood glue and toothpicks or wood fillerTo rebuild stripped screw holes.

Tools

• Screwdriver or drill
• Metal file
• Chisel
• Tape measure