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March 11, 2021
How to Fix a Loose Door Latch
A door is meant to securely lock in place with the help of several components including the hinges, knobs, locks, and latches. The door will lose part of its functionality when these parts are corroded or damaged. A loose door latch, for example, can cause the door to shake as interior air pressure changes or wind starts blowing against your building. Luckily, a quick repair can secure your door. We put together this quick guide on how to fix that loose door latch if you feel confident in your skills. Otherwise, the handymen at Beall Contracting can take care of this patch-up quickly and affordably. Feel free to call Beall Contracting any time.
What You Will Need
The primary tools you will need are a Phillips and flathead screwdrivers as well as a pair of pliers. You can also grab some masking tape and lipstick to test the alignment of the strike plate and latch.
The “Lipstick Test”
The lipstick test is a quick and easy way to test the alignment of the latch and strike plate. Thoroughly mark and smear the latch with lipstick then apply masking tape on top of the strike plate. Close the door and open it again. The lipstick should have left a streak on the masking tape, labeling the path of the latch against the strike plate. Once you have identified the level of alignment, continue with the two repair methods below.
Method One
Grab your screwdriver and insert it into the tab where the door latches. Bend the tab on the strike plate until it straightens out. Be careful when doing this. You do not want to bend it too far in the other direction. Try opening and closing the door once this tab is straightened out. If the door still shakes, then move on to the next method.
Method Two
If you cannot get your screwdriver into the slot to bend the tab into place, then try removing the strike plate to work on it separately. Unscrew the screws that attach the strike plate to the doorframe to remove the strike plate. Grab your pair of pliers and bend the tab on the strike plate. Generally, the tab should be at a 90-degree angle. Reattach the strike plate onto the doorframe and tighten the screws. This should have fixed the problem. If the problem persists then you may call a handyman to give the repair a shot or help you replace a damaged door.
Call Your Friends at Beall Contracting
Not everyone has the time, equipment, or patience to deal with repairs around the house. A door is a crucial element of your home’s security, so we know it can be nerve-wracking when that door is loose. If you want to hire a professional handyman to take care of door repairs, then call Beall Contracting to get in touch with a friendly representative. Our handymen are equipped and ready to take care of repairs as well as replacements. Call now to get started.