Door Won't Latch Shut - How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch or Stay Closed - Fix Door Strike Plate, by digitalcamproducer on YouTube. 3 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes plus overnight dryi
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Close the door slowly and watch where the latch meets the strike plate. Note whether it catches on the front edge, the top or the bottom of the opening.
Remove the strike plate screws with a screwdriver and lift the plate off the frame. Keep the screws in a cup so they don't roll away.
Squeeze wood glue into each old screw hole and wipe away the excess with a cloth. The holes must be solid before you can drill in the same area again.
Push toothpicks into the holes until they are packed full. Snap off the parts sticking out, then add more pieces to fill any gaps. Repeat for the lower hole.
Leave the glue and toothpicks to dry overnight. While it sets, tape over the latch so the door can still be used without the metal damaging the frame.
The next day, hold the strike plate against the frame in its new position, a few millimetres closer to the door. Mark the new screw holes with a pencil.
Drill pilot holes at the marks, using a bit slightly narrower than your screws. Keep the drill straight so the screws pull the plate flat.
Screw the strike plate back on and close the door to test it. The latch should slide past the plate and click into the opening. Adjust the plate if it still catches.
Tips and common mistakes
Move the plate only as far as needed; a few millimetres is usually enough to catch the latch.
Wear safety glasses when drilling and keep your fingers clear of the bit.
If the latch still misses after the plate is moved, check the hinge screws for looseness, as a sagging door is often the real cause.
Do not widen the frame opening with a chisel unless moving the plate fails.
Questions
How long does the glue and toothpick repair need to dry?
Leave it overnight. The plugs need to set hard before you drill, or the new screw holes will crumble.
Can I use matchsticks instead of toothpicks?
Yes. Any dry wooden splinter works, as long as the hole is packed tight and glued.
What if the door latches but still rattles?
Bend the strike plate tab slightly inward or move the plate a touch closer to the door so it holds the latch snugly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
