Door Won't Latch Shut - How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch or Stay Closed - Fix Door Strike Plate

Door Won't Latch Shut - How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch or Stay Closed - Fix Door Strike Plate

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A common problem with doors is a latch that won't hold a door shut. But if you follow along with me I'll show you how to easily fix this. On my door, the latch can't get past the front edge of the strike plate opening. But sometimes the problem will be on top or the bottom of the plate.

In any case the strike plate needs to come out. With the door in this video, the plate simply needs to move towards the door a tiny bit for the latch to work. There's no need to alter the opening in the frame here. But I will have to drill new holes for the screws. But the old holes need to be filled or I can't drill holes where I need them. So I'm going to first fill the holes with glue. Make sure to wipe off any excess glue away.

Now take some toothpicks and stuff them into the openings. Only part of the toothpick is needed so just cut the rest away. Then stuff the other half of the toothpick in to completely fill the opening. And on the bottom repeat the same steps. When the glue and toothpicks are in place, let this dry overnight so it becomes good and solid. In the meantime, tape up the old latch so you won't damage the frame in case you need to use the door.

On the next day and I can finish the repair. Hold the strike plate in place on the door frame and mark where to drill. There was no way I could drill another hole pretty much right on top of the old hole without filling it with glue and toothpicks. But now that's not a problem. And once the new holes are drilled I can put in the screws and the latch is in its new position.

Now with the strike plate in a new position, the door latches easily by lightly closing the door. This is a simple weekend project that anyone can do! If this video was helpful please give me a thumbs up and hit the subscribe button for more videos like this!


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