How To Fix A Door That Won't Latch
Everyday Home Repairs Everyday Home Repairs
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 Published On Mar 21, 2020

Hinge Screws: https://amzn.to/2WfBhMQ
Hand File Set: https://amzn.to/2PA2Zjk

I will walk you through 3 different fixes for a very common issue of a door that won't stay closed because the latch is misaligned. There are a number of different reasons for this issue and this video will walk you through the 3 most common fixes.

Fix 1 - Check / tighten hinges
This is by far the most common issue and most interior door hinges only have 3/4 inch wood screws which are secured into the door jamb. These screws can strip the wood holes and become loose over time from normal wear and tear. I will demonstrate a few different tricks to get your screws back to a secure hold and your hinges flush and secure.
Fix 2 - Find Interference and file the latch plate
If your hinges are secure I would move on to the latch and latch plate. First you will want to assess the amount of interference and I will show you an easy method for identifying exactly where the latch is hitting the latch plate. If the interference is small a little filing might be all that is needed to get your door back to latching without issues.
Fix 3 - Adjust hinges with shims
If fix 1 or 2 don't work then we will move back to the hinge side and figure out how much adjustment is needed and in which hinges. This fix will take longer but with some patience you will quickly identify what is needed and start the adjustment with shimming the hinges.

The fixes are demonstrated in the order of complexity and should be approachable for all weekend warriors.

Additional Links
#10 3 inch screws (with T25 Drill Bit) - homedepot.sjv.io/eWo7z
Box of Washers - https://amzn.to/33Cdvw9

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