Front Door Not Locking Properly

How to fix a door that will not lock things you will need.

Front door not locking properly.

Kung fu maintenance demonstrates how to fix a door that will not latch lock or stay closed. First if the door is not closing properly or the door latching mechanism does not engage when the door is all the way closed visually inspect to make sure the latch and the striker are matching up appropriately. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly. The complete lockset including the doorknob.

If your door is badly warped it may not seal properly even when you move the door jamb. Step 1 appraise the door knob. Check the draft. Have you had a new cylinder fitted.

If the door is sagging and will not line up with the latch check the door hinges. If it s not in this position lift the handle and push it down. Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. If your doorknob mechanism fails internally you can t repair it.

If the door is not latching properly the easiest place to start with is with the door hinges. Lift the door up to relieve the pressure on the hinges and tighten the screws. The key fob battery is dead. Door lock doesn t latch properly when a door latch doesn t click into position it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment.

Key will not work if you ve had a new spare key cut recently it could be a poorly cut key causing the problem. On the long edge of your door about level with the handle you should see a small plastic switch that should be pushed down. The strike plate is recessesd the latch bolt does not align or the strike plate needs to be reset. When the hinges are loose the door will travel up and down while it is being opened and closed.

There are five common reasons why your car door lock is not working. There are three main reasons your door is rattling. Warping if the door cannot physically lock due to the frame or door being warped an adjustment of the strike plate could rectify the problem without the need of a new lock. If one is off by even one quarter of an inch this can prevent the door from closing securely.

If it s the lock that s the problem. If you re having trouble locking your door you may need to have a look at part of the door that s referred to as the snib.