Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that does not latch properly is a sign that it needs to be fixed. CR's testers use lipstick to mark the area where the latch contacts the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws could fix the problem.

Spraying a dry lubricant, like powdered graphite, pr.lgubiz.net or WD-40, on the lock cylinder may also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when retracted by the knob or handle. Popular choices for increased security include deadbolts and positive-locking latches. If yours isn't closing or latch properly, it could be caused by a misalignment between the strikeplate and latch in the door frame.

A common cause is hinges that have become loose, and door fitting they tend to sag over time and cause the latch to go over the strike plate. To check this, use the test of lipstick. Apply some lipstick to the edge of latch and attach the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door and you'll see where the latch connects to the plate. This will let you know whether the point of contact is too high or too low for proper operation.

You'll need the replacement of a strike plate when the latch is more than 1/8" too low or high. Fortunately, this is usually an easy job that can be done without having to take the door off. It's just a matter of using a file to enlarge the strike hole of the plate. The best type of file is a half-round one as it matches the curve in the strike hole in the plate.

After moving the strike plate, you'll need to tighten screws that secure it to the door's frame. This should be enough to allow your door to latch and close properly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the other side of the door to see if this can help.

If the latch is out of alignment even after lubrication, then you will require more extreme measures. You can take off the strike plate, and use a sharp chisel on the mortise of the strike plate, allowing you to move the latch upwards or downwards. You can also employ a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it fits into the mortise better. You might want to consider this option if worried about the strike plate falling off when you travel in your RV.

Check the Keyway

If a lock isn't functioning properly, it could leave your home vulnerable to intruders. The good news is, some kinds of problems with door locks can be solved without the need for a professional. This includes a key that won't fit or a lock that sticks when you turn it. The sooner you discover a problem, you are more likely to be able to fix it yourself.

If your key isn't able to go smoothly or easily It could have rough spots that you need to file off. A locksmith can do this for you however, it's also an easy DIY project you can try at home. Place the key in and move it around, looking for a spot that is producing friction. If you spot any of these, file the rough spots with a fine metal file.

A jammed or locked bolt or latch is a different issue. This could be caused due to debris or a damaged key that has been inserted into the mechanism. You could try using a pin or needle to clear the debris, however, it's recommended to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece.

A deadbolt that doesn't stay extended over the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty lock. Over time, the screws that hold the deadbolt in place may become loose and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. If the deadbolt still shifts, you may need to upgrade the hardware.

If you're having trouble with a cylinder lock that doesn't rotate with the key it could be because the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the problem, you can use a grease. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products handy and apply them frequently to ensure your locks are in good working order. A lubricated locking system will last longer than a non-lubricated one.

Check the Hinges

If the door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is open but it doesn't lock when you close it hinges that are loose are typically to blame. This is solved with a simple procedure. To resolve the issue fix it, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue continues, you might try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust the alignment. These plates of small size can be found in hardware stores and online.

Sand the edges of hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to ensure they are flush with the frame. Another common cause of trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch could be too high or too low in the strike plate. To find out this, put some lipstick on the latch and put an area of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any part of the tape that it touches. This will indicate whether the latch is above or below the hole.

Finally, if the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate it may be due to the accumulation of grime and dirt. A q-tip coated with silicone spray or graphite powder will help to remove this debris, allowing the lock to function just as it is supposed to.

If the issue is still not fixed after using a lubricant, the lock cylinder might be seized and need to be replaced. It's a job best left to an expert but is not difficult for someone who knows basic home repairs. When replacing the lock's cylinder, look for one that's tested and rated by the BHMA to avoid problems with fitting and finish.

Another reason that could cause difficulty latching is when the door lock hardware is cheap or poorly made. This type of lock may require more maintenance and last longer than a lock of a higher quality. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock can usually solve this issue. The key is to choose the lock that's rated B or higher in durability to be sure it will stand up to years of use.

Check the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a variety of issues. It may prevent the door from closing and latching correctly or make it difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as it seems. Gravity, sagging hinges and even the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to be out of alignment with the strike plate however, often a few minor adjustments will fix the issue.

If you have tried lubricating and tightening the hinges, but it does not solve the issue, it may be necessary to move the strike plate to a different position to align with the latch. To do this, take off the strikeplate and mark the area where the latch is located. Mark the spot using caulk, lipstick, or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is lower than where the strike plate hole is, this indicates that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate position could solve the issue. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, you can move the strike plate upwards a little.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, take it from the frame. keep the screws in a safe location to replace them later. You will also need to grease the keyway on the strike plate to ensure it moves easily.

Next, determine whether the contact point of the latch is above or below the strike hole in the plate. You can do this by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, open it to observe where the mark has been left on the masking tape or latch. If the mark is located below the strike plate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low, and a higher strike plate position can fix the issue.

To adjust the latch make the adjustment, remove the strike plate from the mortise, and then expand it using a sharp knife or chisel and an hammer to allow for the strike plate to shift upward or downward to match the position of the latch. After the strike plate has been moved, check the door to ensure that it closes and latches easily. Once you have completed the adjustments, you are able to reattach the strike plate to the frame of the door and fill in any old gaps or holes with wood filler that matches the color of the rest of the door frame.