How to Fix a Sagging Entry Door That Won’t Latch
When tenants report an exterior door won’t latch or deadbolts stick, landlords often make the mistake of grinding the strike plate. In 90% of cases, the top hinge screws have stripped loose from seasonal weight.
Tools & Materials Needed
- 3-inch #9 hardened wood screws
- Cordless impact driver
- Wooden golf tees or hardwood toothpicks
- Wood glue
Procedure
- Inspect the top jamb gap. If the reveal is tighter at the bottom strike than the top hinge, the upper jamb has pulled away from framing.
- Back out the center screw on the top jamb-side hinge plate. (Notice the factory screw is usually only 3/4-inch long).
- Drive a 3-inch screw straight through the hinge, through the door jamb, and into the 2×4 framing stud behind it.
- Tighten until the reveal gap squares up and the latch bolt clicks cleanly into the strike plate without resistance.
