Fix a Door That Won't Stay Shut
Fix a door that won't stay shut with these step-by-step instructions.
If a door won't stay shut, fixing it is a trial-and-error process. Here's the process:
- Check to see if the latch bolt is sticking. If it is, try lubricating it with silicone.
- Use a level to find out if the door is hung level. If it's not a perfect fit, adjust the hinges.
- If it is hung correctly, examine the wear marks on the strike plate on the door frame to determine if it's out of alignment. For slight misalignment, make the strike-plate hole bigger with a file. For a larger misalignment, move the strike plate or replace it with a larger one.
- If everything lines up and there's still a gap between the door and the frame, move the strike plate closer to the latch by inserting a wooden shim behind the strike plate.
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