Door Won't Latch? 3 Quick Fixes That Work
A door that won't latch has usually sagged or shifted so the latch no longer lines up with the hole in the strike plate. Loose hinge screws are the most common reason. Find where the latch hits and adjust from there.
Verdict: DIY
A screwdriver job. Houses settle, doors sag; this is normal.
- Time
- 15–45 min
- Cost
- $0–10
Likely causes and how to tell
Loose hinge screws
The door drops when you lift the handle side; the gap at the top is uneven.
Strike plate misaligned
Rub lipstick or a dry-erase marker on the latch, close the door: the mark shows where it hits relative to the hole.
Door swelled or house settled
Seasonal: sticks in humid summers, fine in winter.
How to fix it
- 1
Tighten the hinges
Tighten every hinge screw. If one spins, replace it with a 3-inch screw that reaches the wall stud, starting with the top hinge.
- 2
Find the mismatch
Mark the latch with lipstick or marker and close the door to see where it contacts the strike plate.
- 3
Adjust the strike plate
If it's off by less than ⅛ inch, file the strike opening wider. If more, unscrew the plate, move it, and fill the old holes with wood filler or toothpicks and glue.
- 4
Check the latch
Make sure the latch springs out fully. A sticky latch can be freed with a dry graphite lubricant.
What you'll need
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3" wood screws
- Metal file
- Lipstick or dry-erase marker
- Wood filler
Call a pro if
- The door frame is cracked or visibly out of square.
- New cracks in walls around door frames (possible foundation movement).
- An exterior door with a damaged frame or lock (security).
AI Handyman writes a free job brief in trade language, so a pro can quote from your photos.
Questions people ask
Should I plane the door?
Only as a last resort, and seal the cut edge afterward. Most latching problems are solved at the hinges or strike.
Related fixes
General guidance, not a licensed inspection. Follow local codes; when in doubt, call a licensed professional.