A misaligned latch is a typical door lock problem that can prevent your door from closing correctly. It happens when the latch does not align with the hole in the strike plate on the door frame, usually due to the door sagging over time or the strike plate being out of position. A misaligned latch can make your home unsafe. Fortunately, a locksmith can fix this issue with simple tools and techniques.

Tightening the Hinges 

Sometimes, the door hinges become loose or worn out, causing the door to sag and the latch to miss the strike plate hole. A locksmith can tighten the screws on the hinges to lift the door and realign the latch. If necessary, they can use longer screws to secure the hinges to the wall framing and slightly pull in the door frame.

Enlarging or Repositioning the Strike Plate Hole

If the latch is slightly off by a little bit, a locksmith can enlarge the hole in the strike plate with a file to accommodate the latch. They may need to move the strike plate up or down to match the latch position for a substantial misalignment. This involves chiseling a new recess for the strike plate, drilling new holes for the screws, and filling the old cavity with wood filler. 

Wood filler fills in gaps, cracks, and holes in wood surfaces. It is typically made of wood particles and a binding agent, such as epoxy or polyurethane. The purpose of wood filler is to create a smooth, even surface on the wood that has been damaged. Once the wood filler has been applied and dried, it can be sanded, stained, or painted to match the surrounding wood. 

Shimming or Sanding Down Under Hinges

If tightening or replacing the hinges does not help, a locksmith may need to adjust the height of the hinges by adding shims under them or sanding down some material from them. This can raise or lower the door slightly and correct the misalignment.

Replacing or Repairing the Latch or Striker

The problem could be with the latch or striker mechanism itself. A locksmith can inspect these parts and determine if they are broken, damaged, or worn out. They can then replace or repair them as needed.

A misaligned latch is not only annoying but also unsafe. It can make your door easy to open by intruders, expose you to drafts and noise, and cause wear and tear on your door and frame. That's why you should call a locksmith when you notice this problem. A locksmith can fix a misaligned latch quickly and effectively, restoring your door's functionality.

Contact a home locksmith service for more information.