If you find that the latch contacts the strike plate too high or too low, make sure all the door's hinge screws are tight. If that doesn't solve the problem, try this trick: Remove one of the screws on the jamb side of the hinge and drive in a 3-in. screw.
The tab that sticks into the latch plate hole can be adjusted by using the top of a screwdriver to bend it slightly towards the stop. It's as simple as that – test it by closing the door and seeing if it rattles. If that doesn't work, try using self-adhesive foam pads to fill any gaps.
swelling is caused by humidity and temperature changes, which cause the wood to expand and contract. Over time, the door will adjust to the new conditions and return to its original shape. However, a hot air gun or hairdryer can be applied to the sides of the door to bring out moisture then can be sealed and re-hung.
To fix a door that won't stay shut, check the hinges and tighten any loose screws, adjust the strike plate so the latch fits, use shims between the hinges and the frame, or replace the hinge pins with longer, thicker pins. If the problem persists, seek professional help.
Check Those Hinges
The first order of business is to inspect the hinges. Often, a door not closing properly is a hinge issue. Grab a screwdriver and tighten those screws on both the door and the frame.
If the door rattles or shifts over an inch, the hinges are likely worn out or broken and will need replacement. For minor looseness though, the screws have probably just come loose from the frame and door. This is an easy DIY fix.
Will WD40 help a swollen door? WD-40 can help reduce friction and might loosen up a swollen door temporarily. But it's not a permanent fix since it doesn't tackle the root issue, like moisture or humidity. For a long-term solution, try drying out the door or sanding down the swollen areas.
The most likely cause is that the latch isn't engaging properly with the strike plate – the two crucial parts that need to interact in order for the door to stay closed. You'll generally be able to tell by the absence of any clicks or snaps when you push the door closed.
The most likely reason for your door opening and closing on its own is because the wall surrounding the door is likely leaning one way or the other. Gravity does the rest then and causes the door to move even when you aren't touching it. The key to fixing a door like this is to deal with hinges.
Hinges. If the door stop moulding isn't the issue, it's time to consider the hinges. If your door's hinges are too deeply set into the door frame, this could cause the door to sit too close to it, pushing it back open as soon as you close it. Or, if tension is built up in the hinges over time, the door will open slowly ...
A misaligned door is a common issue that can cause the door to not stay in place, whether it's open or closed. This misalignment can be due to various factors, including loose hinges, a warped door, or a shifted door frame.
The swelling is caused by humidity and temperature changes, which cause the wood to expand and contract. Over time, the door will adjust to the new conditions and return to its original shape.
Don't seal warped doors, this will not allow the imbalance to correct itself. In most cases a warped door will straighten out after it has acclimated to its surroundings. We recommend the door be allowed to hang through at least a heating and cooling season to allow it to straighten out.
For example, if you are wondering how to fix soft-close cabinet hinges, look for loose screws in the hinge. Soft close hinges are equipped with adjustment screws for easy alignment. A loose screw or two is often the most common issue for soft-close hinges not working properly.
On most heavy duty door closers an 11/16" wrench can be used to turn the spring adjustment nut clockwise a full 360 degrees to increase the spring tension or rotate the spring adjustment nut counter-clockwise a full 360 degree rotation to decrease the spring tension.
Adjusting soft-close kitchen cabinet doors is typically as simple as tightening or loosening a screw on the hinges.
Tighten the Hinges First
If you find that the latch contacts the strike plate too high or too low, make sure all the door's hinge screws are tight. If that doesn't solve the problem, try this trick: Remove one of the screws on the jamb side of the hinge and drive in a 3-in. screw.
There are several reasons a door may stick in the doorframe, including loose hardware, a sagging frame, or seized hinges. Humidity is another common cause of sticking doors: The high moisture level in the air can seep into the wood, resulting in a swollen door that does not open or close properly.