Are you dealing with a door that won’t stay shut? There’s no need to give up on the door or buy a new one; often, all it takes to get things back in order is replacing the strike plate – the metal plate found on either side of a door frame. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to fix a loose door strike plate. Whether you’re looking for an easy DIY project over the weekend or simply need a reminder of what tools and materials will be needed for fixing your loose doors, this guide has got you covered!
When you’re dealing with a loose door strike plate, it can be disruptive and annoying. You may have noticed that the latch of your door isn’t catching when you close it—but don’t let this seemingly small problem lead to bigger issues later down the road. Taking care of minor repairs on time helps prevent more costly damages in the future. With our helpful advice, even if you’re a beginner DIYer, anyone can get their damage-prone doors working like new again!
What Causes Loose Door in Strike Plate?
There are many reasons why a door might become loose in its strike plate. Such as:
1. Wear and Tear
Wear and tear is one of the most common causes of a loose door in its strike plate. Over time, the material that makes up the strike plate can become worn down or loosened, thus causing it to fit less snugly against the door latch.
2. Poor Installation
If the strike plate was not installed correctly, it could easily become loose and cause the door to be unstable. Additionally, if the screws used to secure the strike plate into the door frame are too short or not of a high enough quality, it can cause them to become loose much more quickly.
3. Foundation Shifts
If there has been any movement in the foundation of your home, such as during an earthquake, this can cause the door frame to shift out of place and loosen the strike plate. This shift in the foundation could also be caused by regular settling over time.
Regardless of what caused your strike plate to come loose, it is important to fix it as soon as possible to maintain a safe and secure home. Failing to fix a loose door strike plate can lead to major security issues, as it is much easier for an intruder to open a door with a loose strike plate. Thankfully, there are easy steps you can take to quickly and safely secure your door and its strike plate. In the next section, we will discuss how you can do that.
10 Ideas On How to Fix a Loose Door Strike Plate
1. Use a Screwdriver to Tighten the Screws
The simplest solution is to use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that keep the strike plate attached to the door jamb. The screwdriver’s flat head should be inserted into the hole and carefully turn in a clockwise direction until you feel the tension and hear it click.
2. Use Nylon Wall Anchors and Screws
If the screws holding the strike plate do not seem secure enough, nylon wall anchors can be used. To install them, drill a hole into the frame of the door jamb and insert an anchor. Once inserted, place a screw through the strike plate and into the anchor for added stability.
3. Use Carpenters Glue
Sometimes the strike plate is loose due to a gap between the door jamb and the strike plate. To fix this, apply the carpenter’s glue to the back of the strike plate and press it into place. Let it dry for 24 hours before attempting to close the door.
4. Use Wood Filler
Use wood filler to fill the gap between the door jamb and the strike plate. Apply a small amount of wood filler to the area and use a putty knife to flatten it out. Let it dry for 24 hours before attempting to close the door.
5. Use Strips of Wood
If you have an extra piece of wood lying around, it can be used to stabilize the strike plate. Cut a strip of wood that is the same width as the frame and attach it to the back side of the door jamb using screws. Place the strike plate over this piece of wood.
6. Use Wood Shims
Wood shims are thin pieces of wood that can be used to fill in any gaps between the door frame and the strike plate. Place a shim behind each screw hole on the strike plate before inserting the screws. This will help keep it secure and level.
7. Use Sheet Metal Screws
If you are looking for an extra layer of security, sheet metal screws can be used instead of regular screws. These are longer and stronger than standard screws, so they will provide more stability for the strike plate.
8. Use a Larger Strike Plate
If your current strike plate is too small, you may want to consider replacing it with a larger size. This will help ensure that the door is secured properly and provide more surface area for the screws to grip.
9. Use a Strike Plate Spacer
If you have an unusually thick door jamb, you may need to use a strike plate spacer. This piece of metal will be placed between the strike plate and the door frame so that it can fit properly. Make sure to use the correct size for your door frame.
10. Use a Door Reinforcement Kit
If you are looking for more comprehensive protection, consider investing in a door reinforcement kit. This easy-to-install solution will help keep your door secure from intruders. It comes with everything you need to install it properly and can help ensure that your home is safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Fixing a Loose Door Strike Plate?
Before fixing a loose door strike plate, taking some basic safety precautions is important. Ensure that the area around the strike plate is clear and that there are no objects or materials in the direction of where you will be drilling.
Wear protective eyewear when using any power tools, and make sure to follow all directions for their use. Additionally, unplugging any power tools before making adjustments or adding screws is important. Lastly, make sure that you have all the necessary materials and tools on hand before beginning. This will help you avoid any delays or unnecessary trips to the hardware store in the middle of your repair project.
What Type of Materials Do I Need to Fix a Loose Door Strike Plate?
You will need a drill, screws, and a screwdriver to fix a loose door strike plate. Depending on the type of strike plate you are working with, you may also need an anchor to securely hold it in place if the existing holes do not match up with the new ones.
If you have a metal strike plate, you may also need to use a drill bit designed specifically for metal. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the screws you choose are long enough and strong enough to hold the strike plate in place.
How Do I Securely Fix a Loose Door Strike Plate?
To securely fix a loose door strike plate, begin by removing the existing screws. Measure the distance between the current holes and mark where you need to drill new ones for the strike plate. Use a drill bit designed for metal (if applicable) and drill new holes in your desired locations.
Place the strike plate over the holes and secure it with screws. To ensure maximum stability, you may want to use an anchor or molly bolt if the existing holes do not match up. Finally, check to make sure the strike plate is secure and properly aligned before replacing the screws.
Conclusion
Now you know how to fix a loose door strike plate. The best way to make sure your door stays secure is to check the strike plate regularly and if necessary, reattach it using screws. Make sure you use the right size of screw and that they’re long enough to reach into the wall framing. Additionally, be sure you don’t overtighten them as this can cause stripping of the screw holes in the wall or door frame.
Finally, if you have any other questions about fixing a loose door strike plate, consider seeking assistance from a professional locksmith. With their expertise and experience in dealing with these types of security issues, they can help ensure your door stays secure at all times. Thank you for reading. We hope this article has helped you understand how to fix a loose door strike plate. Good luck!
You Can Check It Out to Cover Door Knob Hole
