How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
There are 5 main reasons that doors don't latch properly and I will take you through them and the simple fix for each.
🧰 The tools and equipment I use: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/properdiy
Amazon links to the tools used in this video...
UK links:
► Stanley Knife: amzn.to/3BJK2k1
► Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3wx4Nfq
► Cordless Drill (Dewalt): amzn.to/3k0GEeX
US Links:
► Stanley Knife: amzn.to/3hrAH8T
► Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3n5s87f
► Cordless Drill (Dewalt): amzn.to/3qWFgLy
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Пікірлер: 471
I love how he didn't spend 5-10 minutes talking about random shit or drawing out the conversation like many other DIY vids. This guy is awesome!
@AztecWench
Жыл бұрын
Exactly. This isn't a talk show - just show me the goods!!
@parghi22
10 ай бұрын
Thank you, very helpful and you covered everything I was wondering about!
The matchsticks is the key for me. In a ten year old new build, I've had to shift the plate by a single mm a few times. Creating a new screw hole has always been the tricky part. Thank you.
Playing cards and matchsticks!!! This is what I needed to see today.
I have an old villa in NZ, built 1877 with native hard woods. The doors have shifted out of alignment gradually over time. 'Reason #1' - excellent trick. I did this, but instead of a playing card, used a plastic chinese takeaway container lid and cut 2 x rectangles to fit the hinge cavity. Perfect! I also had another door where the latch didn't quite go into the receiving hole fully on the catch plate, and again you have the answer for that right here. Also fixed by adjusting the horizontal placement as shown. I appreciate you get straight to the point and don't waste any time offering tutition. Your videos here have been invaluable. I have subscribed. Thank you!
Why can't all DIY videos be as effective, helpful and enjoyable as yours? Always a pleasure. Looking forward to the next one.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
Thank you for the inspiration to go and fix my kitchen door latch position, it took less than 10 mins - only been here for 21 years. The door now closes with the lightest of touches instead of my body weight behind it.
Awesome quality, good English accent (I'm French and I can understand without subtitles!), good audio quality, good well-explained content... Top!
@wethecaptainnow8111
3 ай бұрын
Bonjour
What a informative and down to earth guy who knows exactly what needs/can be down to fix something without too much trouble - cheers proper DIY guy.
Used the playing cards on the hinge and it fixed it right up! Thank you! Great instruction.
Good job of expressing yourself with the proper vocabulary. Thanks!
This is exactly what I needed to show my husband! he keeps blaming me for not closing the door hard enough. I knew the doors shouldn't be pushed hard to latch! I'll adjust the sloppy latch myself! Thank you for the great tutorial video!
@whatthe6532
Жыл бұрын
Once you’ve adjusted the sloppy latch might as well fix the door. Good luck.
No messing about and such a genuine guy. Wish everyone else took a leaf from your book. Thanks.
@Crashawsome
Ай бұрын
It’s a shame people are not all exactly the same
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. I like the idea of using the kid's playing cards for shims behind the hinges. But if the kids balk at sacrificing their playing cards, old expired credit cards should do about the same job. So, I usually don't throw away old credit cards; they are useful for shimming, spreading putty or caulk, or mixing epoxy, for examples.
@bethanyc4jc
Жыл бұрын
I resorted to paper plates! Thank you, solved my problem
Bravo. Thanks to you I’m a DIY hero. Had to show my wife the video so she knows who deserves the real credit.
You amaze me Brother! Thanks! My hat is off to you!
This person didn't solve my doorknob problem but I watched the whole video because his voice is so soothing.
Thank you for sharing this vid. When a customer calls me to help with an ill fitting door, my first step is to make certain that all of the hinge and latch screws are tight. It isn't uncommon to have the screws in the upper hinge loosen, allowing the door to sag, which in turn causes the latch be too low for the hole. For a door that needs to move about an 1/8th of an inch or less, to the left or right, I have a tool that allows me to bend the knuckles of the door hinge. This is a fast and easy way to create a perfect fit. I have two cordless Dremel tools that I use in my door work, both of them refurbished models purchased online.
Thank you so much for helping a person who has less knowledge of the subject matter, than Hannibal had of embroidery. In contrast I just 'tried' to watch a video about removing sludge from radiators an excellent plumber ,but someone must have told him when he was 2 years old that he was funny and I hold that person responsible for the 'humour' on the video that took away from the matter in hand and made me switch of after only a minute . Thanks again you helped me a lot. Max
Best DIY video I've seen with regard to this subject . Clear and to the point with clear examples.
Recently discovered your channel and it has been the best find on KZread in years!
Love the way you explain why you do something or why you don't. Also enjoy learning how you solve problems and your tips and tricks for D. I. Y. alone. Helped me a lot, Thanks from Australia 😊🇦🇺👍
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them! Proper DIY welcomes those from Oz.
You cut my name in pieces wow you're amazing
Nice video on simple home fix! Just like to share that those disposable bamboo (sometimes wooden) chopsticks that come with chinese or japanese take-outs are useful for plugging such holes. Even as concrete hole filler. Matchsticks aren't very common at home these days.
@AbhijitShrikhande
Жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@murth9252
Жыл бұрын
Good point, we only have gas lighters in our house but we DO have unused chopsticks (even in Ireland) 🙂, good tip, thanks.
Awesome geezer, thanks a bunch from an expat living in Australia. Rigging and steel no worries, carpentry I'm cactus. You explained that really well.
Saved me from going to Wickes and getting 6'x1.5" beading and getting ready to hammer and chisel, thank goodness for your channel
A well produced video. As time goes on doors can move up and down relative to the strike plate. I cannot understand why strike plates and their openings are not made a little bit longer. This simple change could save a lot of messy adjustments later on.
Wow! Great video. I have actually moved strike plates before and have come across the necessity to move the screw hole, but always found it to be a challenge to move the screw correctly for the plate. Your method of using match sticks to fill the holes is GENIUS! I will always know how to do this correctly now! Thanks so much for showing this!
@PRenard2012
2 жыл бұрын
Bamboo skewers and wire cutters to cut the skewers after filling the holes.
@AbhijitShrikhande
Жыл бұрын
I suppose toothpicks can also serve the same purpose.
@fritzsmith7794
Жыл бұрын
@@PRenard2012 Bamboo skewers are also very tough and handy for so many things. I use them when I mix up small amounts of epoxy.
Thanks for making videos full of information and not 3 minutes of chat before you get on with it. Good job!
Simply the best DIY guy ever!!
Love your delightful and very helpful video. Insane Camaro Driver said it right. I just watched video B4 you & the guy was chatty Cathy and gave lousy info. You are the bomb. I am a single woman trying to save money by doing things on my own. I think you saved me. Thanks so much!
Thank you. Great video. I like your detailing every aspect of why the latch will not fit and the the way you explained, for people like me, on how to fix it without the use of expensive tools. Keep up the good work.
Blimey - my late husband always had a problem gettin' the striker into the hole..... 😂
Revisited this, Stuart. Just what I need right now. Thank you.
Great video! I used bamboo skewers to fill the screw holes, worked great!
Great step-by-step diagnosis and repair!
what a great video! man, you detailed everything perfectly! well done, mate!!!
Great rips!! I grabbed some recycled cardboard rather than playing cards. It worked perfectly! Thank you so much👍
Thank you, great tips. Match sticks are popular in Europe but in the states not so much. I grabbed a wooden paint brush stick and trimmed down a peace to resemble the match stick. Worked like a charm and my new screw hole did not cross over back to the old. New Sub, Thank you again...
Excellent video sir! I used your techniques today to correct renters door. Masking tape and marking and taping and checking correct was terriffic. So much more accuracy than where I was formerly heading in this project. Thank you.
Just the the experience I needed to see ....Thanks !
This got me out of a real headache of a repair, thanks so much!
Excellent video, the best among similar diy on the door latch issue. Thanks!
Thank you for your excellent video. It was simple to understand and, following your recommendations, I was able to fix a kitchen door that suddenly refused to lock (I had to move the strike plate forward). I have no doubt your video saved me a tremendous amount of time and eliminated a lot of frustration.
Thank you so much for this handy video, the doors in our house are bespoke, so I was having trouble procuring a new door. Your easy to follow video really saved my skin
That was so helpful, many thanks for making the video, it was greatly appreciated.
The playing card trick worked like a champ. Thanks for including that one.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
No problem
Best video I've seen so far, thank you! What about: when my door latched 10 minutes ago, I took the door knob assembly apart to lubricate it, put it back together, and now it doesn't latch. Like the latch-bolt is now 1/8 too short, to pass far enough through the latch-plate to catch. Why? And is there a a way to adjust just the bolt-throw length?
Thank you. This was very helpful. An old door that never quite closed is not functioning as it should! The only person not happy about this is our cat, who escapes through this door regularly.
How I wish someone like you lived next door..But, I guess I'll have to settle for DIY videos..😄 Ive learned a lot, so thanks to youtube!! 👍🏽
A quick and informative video..
The matchsticks to fill the previous holes is a great idea I always had problems with the new position reverting to old position. I also liked the masking tape idea to test before permanent fix. Great video.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Very clever and explained very well, great tips
Excellent explanation. Thank you!
Thanks for more good tips. I struck lucky a while ago when needing to move hinge holes. I found in B&M “Bamboo Paddle Skewers”. They are used for Barbeques and kebabs. They are thicker than matches and are pointed. So I used a bradawl to gauge the depth of the hole and cut a piece to suit. I’ve seen them online and are available in different lengths. But the ones I have serve as paint stirrers after the point has been cut and used.
VERY HELPFUL!! Thank you very much!
Thank you for the video. It was easy to follow and you taught me something. Happy New Year 🎊
The match trick is what I've been missing. Thank you!
Excellent instructional video and ideas!
Great work. Thank you!
Great video ! I just have an unlatch door in my apartment and now I can fix it. 😊 Thanks !!
Great video! WD-40 and Philips head screw driver did the trick. Took 20 Seconds to fix. 😊
"daddy where are my cards?" "Not sure darling but have you seen how well your bedroom door closes now?"
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Exactly!
Some great tips there - thanks Stuart. Loving the around the house videos 👍🏻
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
Just became my go-to site for when I'm stuck ... really like your delivery, thank you 👍
@ProperDIY
Жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
Matchstick trick -genius! I use to use wood filler, which took ages, and not always successful...
,I was just about to shutdown when I saw this. My front door won't latch. I will be using this information to fix it tomorrow. Thanx!
Love the the way you explain everything in details
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks you
Love the accuracy with which you work
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
Excellent stuff.
Thanks for the help friend, cheers
Excellent video. Good tips.
Hi Pinball, Mrs. P and Elliott from Welbots! I am from Wisconsin and my favorite 80's bands include, Journey, Pink Floyd, Blondie, and ZZ Top to name a few.
I Appreciate the time taken to do this step by step video for what is a common problem.. I've got a couple of doors that need this attention...many thanks for the upload.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
My favourite DIY channel. I pick up transferable tips from all of the videos even if I’m not going to be doing that project.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you! That is exactly what I hope for - tips that will come in useful even on other projects
Excellent video and tips
This was so helpful. Thank you so much!!😁. I finally managed to fix the door
A very well explained video, that just may fix an annoying problem I have with a door? Thank you. Subscribed 👍🏻
Protip with filling the old screw holes with the matchsticks 👍🏻😎
@TheFurnitureArtisan
2 жыл бұрын
Wooden golf tees work well too👍
@jcaleca60
2 жыл бұрын
Very good
@Carl-vq6ww
2 жыл бұрын
This is a great tip, I’ve also used cocktail sticks but any timber splinter will do.
@samueldavis5895
Жыл бұрын
Longer screws will work fine. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I make over 80k a year for almost a decade fixing, building, installing… you name it. And I will tell you I e NEVER used this “toothpick” trick. I seriously doubt ANY door has 12, 2-3 inch screws in it. Therefore simply replace each hinge with a long screw or 2 in it. If you don’t have the screw then you should fill the holes with bondo or wood putty. They actually sell putty filled syringes for this lol. Anyways, it’s not pro at all. It’s amateur
@samueldavis5895
Жыл бұрын
Honestly though, I typically don’t have time for that even and I simply angle and reposition the screws. Takes a little experience but I guarantee it works fine. Done this 10,000 dollar units in oak, alder, fir, pine, you name it… it works. Lol, I’ve even had customers ask me how I repositioned them and wondering if I used tooth picks! 🤣🤣🤣🤣. And before anyone comes doubting, I’ve done it twice this month already on hinges that were moved only about a millimeter from the back set, and yes, it is the same with strike plates.
Wow! That was great! Going to try in the morning.
Well I wondered what that plastic was for, know I know and will need to go around and insert them in the ones I’ve just chiselled out. Great presentation as always. A joy to watch. Thanks.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
Great video! Thank you.
Thank you for this video!! You helped me out.
Another good video. Living in an old house lots of my doors need a little tweak. Your info helps a lot. Many thanks.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
No problem
Great Job! Thanks.
Just what I needed for an internal door. Thanks very much.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
My door needs to be realigned just a little bit, but filing worked pretty well. Fixed it real quick. Thanks.
“I find the ones I steal from my children's bedrooms work the best.” 😄
Great tips, thanks
The best videos ever watched
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
Great display thank you.
Really, really helpful video - thanks. I used the packing technique to move a whole door across so that it would ‘catch’ and on another I packed just the top hinge to prevent some rubbing / difficult closing at the top of the door.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad it helped
Kebab sticks are just perfect
Well done. Thanks!
Picked up many useful tips - even those not directly relating to doors. Many thanks.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
No problem
Superb video as always Stuart & a great tip! Thanks 😉👍🏼
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Love the match stick idea, never though of that before, great tip!
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Learn something every day
Thankyou for your help 😊
Thank you so much I watch a few videos and looks like yours might be the one that I could establish the whole process elect quicker
Brilliant, thanks. Great tips and well presented.
@ProperDIY
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
You, sir, are awesome!