A door that refuses to latch can be frustrating. It might not close completely, may pop open by itself, or require you to slam it every time. In most cases, the fix is straightforward once you understand what causes it. We deal with these issues often, and the truth is, most can be solved with a few careful adjustments and some patience.
Understanding Why Doors Stop Latching
Before grabbing tools, it helps to know what’s happening. The latch on a door should fit smoothly into the strike plate on the frame. When it doesn’t, the door won’t stay closed. This can happen because the door shifted slightly over time, the latch or strike plate became misaligned, or humidity caused the wood to swell. Sometimes, even a loose hinge or worn latch mechanism can cause the problem.
When we inspect a door that won’t latch, we start by checking alignment. If the door rubs against the frame or you see uneven gaps, that’s often the clue. Small changes in a home’s structure or temperature can make doors move just enough to throw off the fit.
Checking the Door Alignment
The first step is to close the door slowly and watch how the latch meets the strike plate. If the latch hits above or below the hole, it’s a clear alignment issue. Tightening the hinge screws might be all it takes. Use a screwdriver to secure any loose hinges, starting from the top. Sometimes, just one loose screw can cause the door to sag and misalign.
If tightening the hinges doesn’t fix the problem, look for stripped screw holes. When screws no longer grip the wood, the hinge can’t hold the door in place. Remove the screw, insert a small piece of wooden dowel or toothpick coated with wood glue, and drive the screw back in. This gives the screw something to bite into and helps hold the hinge firmly again.
Adjusting the Strike Plate
If the latch still misses the hole after tightening hinges, you’ll need to adjust the strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece attached to the frame that the latch fits into. Close the door and note where the latch hits. If it’s slightly off, loosen the screws on the strike plate and shift it slightly up or down. Tighten it again and test the door.
If the misalignment is more than a few millimeters, you may need to enlarge the strike plate opening. Use a metal file to gently widen the hole in the direction needed. Work slowly and test frequently so you don’t overdo it. Once the latch clicks smoothly into place, you’ve found the right position.
Sometimes, moving the entire strike plate is the better option. To do this, remove it completely, fill the old screw holes with small wood plugs, and reattach the plate in the correct position. This approach gives a clean, long-term result.
Dealing with Wood Expansion
Doors made of solid wood expand when humidity rises and contract when it drops. In summer, you might notice the latch working fine in the morning but sticking in the evening. When wood swells, it changes how the door fits in the frame.
A simple test is to close the door and look for areas where it rubs. You can mark these spots with chalk or tape. Gently sand the problem area using fine-grit sandpaper until the door closes freely. Be careful not to remove too much at once. Once it closes evenly, wipe off dust and apply a light finish to seal the exposed wood.
Inspecting the Latch Mechanism
Sometimes the latch itself is the problem. If you press the latch with your thumb and it feels sticky or doesn’t spring back quickly, it might need cleaning or lubrication. Remove the handle, spray a small amount of lubricant into the latch, and work it several times to loosen any buildup.
If that doesn’t help, the latch spring may be worn. Replacing the latch set is simple. You’ll need to remove the old latch, measure its size, and buy a matching one. Installation usually takes less than ten minutes.
Tightening or Replacing Hinges
Loose hinges can make the latch misalign even if everything else looks fine. Tighten all screws and check that the hinge pins sit correctly. If the door still drops slightly on the latch side, you can place a thin cardboard shim behind the lower hinge to raise it slightly. This quick trick helps lift the latch back into alignment.
If the hinges themselves are worn or rusted, replacing them is a good idea. New hinges are inexpensive and can make the door feel firm again. Choose hinges that match your existing ones in size and shape to ensure a smooth fit.
Checking Frame and Jamb Integrity
In older homes, the frame can shift over time or the jamb may become loose. Run your hand along the door frame to check for gaps or movement. If you feel any looseness, drive long wood screws through the frame into the wall studs to secure it again.
When the frame warps or splits, it’s better to repair it before focusing on the latch. Fill cracks with wood filler and let it dry before sanding it smooth. Once the frame sits square and stable, test the latch again. You might find that the issue resolves itself once the frame is sturdy.
Adding a Simple Fix: The Lip Adjustment
One overlooked trick involves bending the small lip on the strike plate slightly toward the inside of the frame. This lip helps the latch engage securely. If it’s too flat, the latch might not catch properly. Use a flathead screwdriver and gentle pressure to bend it in just a bit. That tiny movement often restores a firm click when closing the door.
Preventing Future Latching Problems
Once your door latches properly again, there are a few steps to prevent the issue from coming back. Periodically check hinge screws and tighten them if needed. Keep the latch clean and lightly lubricated. During humid seasons, leave interior doors slightly open when not in use to balance airflow and reduce swelling.
If you notice the latch becoming harder to close again, address it early. Small adjustments now save bigger repairs later. It’s easy to ignore a door that sticks slightly, but over time, repeated force can wear out the latch or crack the frame.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these steps and the door still won’t latch, the issue might be more complex. Sometimes the entire locking mechanism inside the handle needs replacement, or the frame is misaligned beyond basic adjustment. In such cases, it helps to have someone experienced take a closer look.
A qualified locksmith in Kanata can identify the cause quickly and ensure that the repair is done correctly. We often see doors that have been over-filed, unevenly sanded, or poorly shimmed, which leads to more work later. Having it inspected once can save time and frustration.
Small Details That Make a Difference
In our experience, what separates a temporary fix from a lasting one is precision. Even a millimeter can change how a latch behaves. Use slow, deliberate movements when filing or adjusting, and test after every small change.
Another tip is to listen carefully. A healthy latch makes a clean click sound. If it scrapes, grinds, or feels stiff, there’s still a misalignment somewhere. Pay attention to the sound and feel of the latch—it often tells you more than what you can see.
Using the Right Tools
You don’t need expensive tools for these fixes. A screwdriver, wood filler, small file, and fine sandpaper are enough for most doors. However, if you plan to move the strike plate or hinges, a drill helps make clean new holes without splitting the wood. Always pre-drill screw holes slightly smaller than the screw itself to prevent cracking.
Keeping these simple tools at home can save you from repeated problems. Once you know how to fix a latch, you can handle similar issues in other doors around the house easily.
Practical Tip Few People Know
One lesser-known method for slightly adjusting the door position involves loosening the top hinge screws and pulling the door toward you before tightening them again. This minor shift can lift the latch side just enough to align with the strike plate. It’s a delicate move but works surprisingly well for doors that only just miss the latch.
We often use this trick as a first step before sanding or filing anything because it’s completely reversible. If it works, you avoid altering the door or frame permanently.
Safety Considerations
Always check that your latch and lock operate smoothly after adjustments. A poorly aligned latch can prevent a door from locking fully, leaving it insecure. After every fix, test both the latch and the lock several times. Make sure the key turns freely, the door closes without resistance, and it cannot be pushed open when locked.
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to ask for a professional opinion. Minor misalignments can affect home security more than people realize, especially on exterior doors.
Professional Help in Kanata
If you’ve tried everything and still find your door difficult to latch or lock, it may be time to get hands-on help. You can always contact us for practical advice or service. Having someone assess the problem directly ensures that the repair is done safely and effectively, whether it involves re-aligning the frame, replacing a lock, or installing a new strike plate altogether.
FAQ
Why does my door latch stop working after a season change?
Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. When it swells, it can push the latch out of alignment with the strike plate.
Can I fix a misaligned latch without removing the strike plate?
Yes, sometimes tightening hinges or bending the strike plate lip slightly is enough to realign it.
How do I know if the latch is worn out?
If it doesn’t spring back when pressed or feels loose inside the handle, it’s likely time to replace it.
Should I lubricate the latch regularly?
A light lubricant once or twice a year keeps the latch moving smoothly and prevents sticking.
What if the latch works but the lock won’t engage?
That usually means the latch and deadbolt are out of sync. Adjusting the strike plates or checking hinge alignment should solve it.