When a door will not latch or the deadbolt will not throw, people often buy a new lock. More often, the door itself is the problem.
Quick diagnosis
- Open the door and operate the latch and deadbolt. If they move smoothly, the lock is probably fine.
- Close the door slowly and watch where the latch meets the strike. Is it high, low or pressing on the edge?
- Look at the gap around the door. An uneven gap, wider at the top on the latch side, means the door has dropped.
- Check for rubbing marks on the frame or strike plate.
Common causes
- Loose top hinge: the door sags and the latch drops below the strike.
- Seasonal swelling: wood swells in humid weather and binds.
- House settling: frames shift over time.
- Thick new weatherstripping: pushes the door away from the stop.
Fixes
Tightening the top hinge with longer screws into the framing, adjusting or moving the strike, or trimming weatherstripping usually solves the problem at a fraction of the cost of new hardware.
Look before you replace
When a door does not latch, the lock is often blamed, but the cause is frequently hinge sag, a swollen frame or a strike plate that has moved. Watch how the latch meets the strike as the door closes.
Simple fixes to try
Tighten loose hinge screws, replace one short screw with a longer one to pull the door up, or file a small amount from a strike opening. Wax or lubricate the latch bolt if it is sticky.
When to call for help
If the door is out of square, the frame is split or the latch will not line up after adjustments, a technician can check the whole opening. A quick fix can prevent a lockout or a security gap. See winter lock care and prompt door repair.
For door adjustment in Toronto, see sticking and sagging doors.