Fix a door that will not latch
25 minutes · Easy · Estimated materials $0–$12
Start with loose hinges and alignment before removing wood.
Likely cause
Loose hinge screws let the door sag so the latch no longer meets the strike opening.
First safe check
Lift the open door gently at the handle. Movement at the hinges means loose screws are the first repair.
Tools and materials
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Pencil
Materials
- 3-inch wood screw, if needed
Step by step
- 1Tighten hinge screws by hand.
- 2Replace one loose top-hinge jamb screw with a 3-inch screw.
- 3Close slowly and mark where the latch touches the strike.
- 4Loosen and shift the strike slightly if the mark is close.
- 5Test without slamming.
Common mistakes
- Planing before tightening hinges
- Overdriving screws
- Moving the strike too far
When to call a professional
Any job
Nothing here says you can't do it. These are simply the moments where a professional is the cheaper answer.
- The same problem comes back after a correct repair.
- The next step needs a tool or permit you don't have.
- You'd be working alone on something that could pin or fall.
- You've lost confidence — that feeling is information, not failure.
General guidance only. Codes and conditions vary. When in doubt, stop and use a licensed professional.