Fix Door Latch Strike Plate

You can fix this problem in three different ways.

Fix door latch strike plate.

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. Shim the top hinge if your door needs to be lowered. If the door still does not latch properly then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch. Shim the bottom hinge.

Close the door and check to see if the strike plate is too high or too low. The stripped hole repair kit from king s original ha. Clamp the strike plate in a vise with the strike plate positioned so that the edge that the latch bolt strikes. Install the strike.

Insert either a triangular file or a flat file that s small enough to fit inside the strike plate. If your filing action is shaking the strike plate remove the plate and secure it in a vise for your repair. This kit can be used to easily repair a door that fails to latch when it is closed. Take your chisel and enlarge the opening in the door frame for the strike plate so that it will still fit into its new location.

File off enough metal to allow the latch to catch inside the plate and secure the door. How to fix a strike plate step 1. If it s falling below the strike plate opening then you need to raise the bottom of your door i e. Move it away from the center if the strike will not seat when the door is closed.

Then reinstall the plate with longer screws. For minor adjustments you may be able to loosen the plate and tap it in the direction you need. This fix a latch strike plate repair kit is constructed this fix a latch strike plate repair kit is constructed of stamped steel and white plastic components and it comes in a satin nickel plated finish. Screw it back into place and use wood filler to fill in the.

Also check to see that it is aligning left and right. A sharp chisel should be used to enlarge the indented section that holds the strike plate. The long screw will grab the wall framing and draw in the whole doorjamb slightly. For small adjustments you can use a metal file on the strike plate to open it up a little more for the latch to set properly.

Need to drill a new hole really close to the original one. Remove one of the screws on the jamb side of the hinge and drive in a 3 in. Step 2 chisel out the strike plate. If the mark is more than 1 8 inch above or below the strike plate hole you may need to reposition the strike plate.

Determine which edge of the strike plate that the door latch bolt is striking causing the latch to miss the. If you find that the latch contacts the strike plate too high or too low make sure all the door s hinge screws are tight. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws slightly. Use your drill to unscrew the strike plate.

If that doesn t solve the problem try this trick. Again use a flashlight to watch your latch bolt as you close the door.