A Definite Guide to fix a stuck door latch

Aug-11-2023 | By Admin

A stuck door latch not only compromises your security but also makes it difficult to use your door. Therefore, it is crucial to fix your jammed latch as quickly as possible and also ensure that the problem does not recur again. A stuck latch can be caused by many reasons, including loose screws, misalignment, broken internals, or rust that keeps your locks from working properly. There are many ways of fixing a stuck door latch. The method used depends on the cause of the problem. In this article, we will discuss how to fix a stuck door latch.

Reasons for stuck latch?

Before we provide solutions on how to fix your stuck door latch, it Is important to know why your latch is stuck in the first place. Your door latch can stick while open or closed. There are multiple reasons that may make your door latch is stuck. Before you try to fix the problem it is important to inspect the door to know the exact cause of the problem.

Common reasons why your door latch has stuck include:

Door misalignment
Broken internals
Jammed latch
Loose or broken screws
Rust on internal components
How to fix a stuck door latch
Door Misalignment

One of the main causes of stuck door latch is misalignment. If your door latch sticks only when you are attempting to open or close the door, then the cause of the problem is a misaligned strike plate. The strike plate may become misaligned due to many reasons including moisture expanding on the door or a weak house foundation. If the problem is a result of moisture expanding the wood, then the problem is bound to recur once or twice a year.

A short-term solution to this problem is to adjust the strike plate to enable it to align better with the latch. Shut the door then mark the point where the latch is coming in contact with the frame. You can then widen the frame or remove the strike plate then reinstall it in the right position.

On the other hand, if you want to fix this problem permanently, then you have to redo the entire door finish in order to prevent moisture-related issues from affecting how your door opens or closes. If the problem is a result of a weak foundation, you need to find the cause of the problem and fix it. For instance, if you have a tree close to your house whose roots are compromising your house foundation, you can fix that problem by getting rid of the tree.

Jammed Latch

A stuck latch may also occur due to a jammed latch. This mainly occurs as a result of a buildup of rust that causes the latch to extend and retract. Over time, rust caused by moisture can accumulate inside the lock and the latch bolt causing it to latch.

To fix this problem, you need to remove the lock from the door and do a thorough cleaning. To remove all rust accumulated inside that is causing a jammed latch, You need to submerge the components of the lock in vinegar with about 5% acidity to remove rust from the metal. This cleaning process will remove all rust from your lock components, and make them look clean and neat. Don’t forget to scrub off the lock components with a brush to remove any rust that may have stuck.

How you polish the lock will determine how fast rust will settle again. So, when polishing the lock, you need to ensure that you do a thorough job to make it difficult for rust to settle in again. Also, make sure you remove excess polish to prevent it from making the latch get stuck again.

Broken internal mechanism

When your door latch get stuck, then that could be an indication that the internal mechanisms of the door are broken. For instance, the doorknob could be stuck or could be turning without opening the door because the latch is disconnected.

A common sign that indicates that your lock has broken internal mechanisms is if the latch only sticks when you try to manipulate the handle either when the door Is closed or open. But when you press the latch, the door opens and closes smoothly. If the door lock has a broken internal mechanism, then the best solution Is to have it replaced. Repairing the lock can be difficult, especially if there are many broken components. More so, repairing the lock will only give you a short-time reprieve. The best thing to do Is call a professional locksmith to replace the entire lock.

Stuck door latch: Call a professional or do it yourself?

Now that you know what may be causing your latch to get stuck, you may be wondering whether to fix the problem on your own or call a professional locksmith to do the job for you. Fixing a stuck door latch may seem simple but in an actual sense, it is complex and requires a lot of skills and experience. So, if you don’t have sufficient skills and experience in fixing stuck door latch, then it is better to hire a reputable locksmith to do the job for you.

As experts, they will quickly troubleshoot to know the cause of the problem and fix it fast to ensure that it does not recur again. If you try to fix the problem on your own, chances are that your solutions will be short-term. On the other hand, when you hire a reputable locksmith, the solution provided will be long-term.

Professional locksmiths don’t rely on trial and error, they use techniques that have been tested and proven to work. Additionally, they have also dealt with many stuck latch issues and know what to do to fix them. They also have the right tools and equipment that enable them to offer quality results within a short time.

Category: Residential Locksmith