If you are shutting your door but the latch is not catching, or the uPVC door won’t shut at all, then it poses a security issue. When the door won’t latch there could be several issues affecting it and here at Knightsbridge Locksmith, we provide door adjustment and door alignment repair.
So, when our professional locksmith arrives, they will conduct a variety of tests to see where the latch is sticking or hitting on the door frame. Our locksmiths will check to see if any parts are missing and figure out the issue before offering the best solution for your problem.
Moreover, we have all the necessary tools to make the door close smoothly again, and we can fix any problems with door handles, hinge mortises, and swing adjustments. We are able to cut new strike plate mortises and reposition latch holes and door hinges so it shuts perfectly every time.
So, if you’re having trouble with your home’s door latch, give Knightsbridge Locksmith a call any time of the day or night on 07309909989 and we promise to solve your problem.
If you can’t find the reasons why your door won’t latch, consider the following issues.
Some of the issues you might be able to resolve yourself with a Phillips screwdriver and tools like a hammer and a plane, but we can provide a professional service.
This can happen for multiple reasons and it might not always be what you think. The door jamb or frame may have swollen in humid weather which means the latch isn’t lining up as it should.
We can make adjustments and one solution is to put the door in a new position or file down one side of the strike plate so the latch enters easily. For doors that aren’t fitting in the frame, we can sand it down and retest it.
When your door won’t latch and it feels like it’s sagging or rubbing on the frame, it could be that the hinges need tightening. The top hinge is usually the main offender as it takes a lot of the weight of the door, but it could be due to old screw holes being stripped. In this situation, we can either add longer screws so they go deeper into the door frame, or drill new screw holes to replace them.
The strike plate should be perfectly aligned in the centre of the frame to match the face plate with the latch. If you’re shutting the door and it’s catching, you can do the lipstick test and see where exactly the issue is. Mark a small amount on the latch and close it slowly and see where it touches on the strike plate. If there’s a gap, then you can tighten the strike plate into the door jamb more. So, our emergency door opening service is available if the door gets stuck or won’t open.
The way a door latch and strike plate work is very simple. The edge of the strike plate causes the latch to retract slightly until it passes it, and then it clicks tight into the hole. If it’s loose, then it could be a sign that the door latch hole is too deep or not aligned properly.
Our locksmith will conduct numerous tests, pulling the latch back and forth into the hole to see if it it catching properly. When the two aren’t aligned, you might notice that the latch is scraping paint off the door jamb and leaving a mark.
Once the alignment is complete, you can take a thin piece of cardboard and try to fit it around the mechanism to see if there are any gaps.
Door latches on multiple types of door can be repaired with our locksmith service in Knightsbridge:
The front, back and side exterior doors are the most common doors people have issues with because they are used the most.
Repeatedly opening and shutting a door, especially slamming it, can cause issues with the latch and cause it not to catch properly.
When an external door is closed hard it can damage the latch itself or dent the strike plate. When this happens, the metal strike plate can no longer make the latch retract and instead it is too loose in the frame.
If the latch itself is the issue on an external door, then there is something likely wrong with the spring inside that allows it to retract. So, if it won’t retract, then when you shut the door, it becomes like a deadbolt that secures into the frame.
For interior doors, there is a similar issue but is mainly caused by an issue with the spindle. If you’re pushing down on the door handle but the latch is not retracting, then the spindle could be worn out.
Most spindles are square-shaped, but over time, they can become rounded as the metal is worn down little by little. Eventually, the handle can no longer turn the mechanism sufficiently to retract the latch.
On the other hand, interior doors are usually wooden and can be more prone to moisture. If you are having problems with the bathroom or kitchen door, then it is most probably this issue.
When you close your door, if you feel it rub on the door frame and need to push it hard to close it, then a simple planing or sanding can resolve the issue in a matter of minutes.
When it comes to French doors, the lock and keep need to be fully aligned for it to close. If they are not aligned, even slightly, then you will have trouble locking them.
Many uPVC patio doors also come equipped with multipoint locking systems where a system of latches, hooks and bolts all need to fit into the exact right place on the edge of the other patio door.
If the door restrictor at the top is not tight enough, or even too tight, then the door won’t close as it should. One call to the experts here at Knightsbridge Locksmith and we can perform a full analysis of your French door latching problem and resolve it the same day.
We can do this because we carry a range of specialist tools in our mobile locksmith vehicles, as well as replacement parts for a wide variety of French door types, including uPVC and composite.
For secure and smooth operation, the door should not have to be lifted into the frame when closing it to cause the latch to engage with the strike plate. If you have a wooden door and the door is sagging cause by stripped screw holes, then you have two choices.
You can request that we fill the old screw holes with a wooden plug and filler, then have it painted over. Or, if the damage is severe, you should consider a new door frame. We only recommend this on badly stripped doors or for doors that are old and not capable of holding the screws.
You can trust us to give honest and trustworthy advice when it comes to repair options, and we’ll never suggest you install something new if it can be repaired to extend its life.
If we do have to perform door repairs, we can also schedule in frequent maintenance to make sure that it is performing as expected in the months and years to come.
With many years in the business and qualified locksmiths on hand to assist, we’re here for you 24/7 when your door won’t latch or close. Our locksmiths know just what to do in a range of door latch repair situations to resolve the problem.
Our vans are stocked with all of the door hardware we need such as strike plates, hinge screws, and latch mechanisms, to help with any problem you’re experiencing. We can work on timber doors as well as composites and uPVC doors too, and can notice any problems quickly to diagnose and fix the issue.
We offer complete transparency in pricing and will never try to upsell you something that you don’t need, offering the most affordable solution for your specific situation. We offer easy ways to pay, too, including cash, debit card, or contactless using Apple Pay or Google Pay with your phone.
All parts that we install or repair are covered by the warranties of the manufacturer, and our labour is guaranteed too. For fast, affordable, and effective door latch repair in London, call us today on 07309909989.
We won’t leave your property unsecure, so before we go, we will test and re-test every part of the door, hinge and lock. If needed, we will perform fine-tuning to get it just right. If we’ve repaired the lock and it still won’t latch, then we install a brand new latch. However, we will only repair a lock if we believe it to be the best option. We also offer a rapid locked out of flat service with 30-minute arrival.
Yes, especially if you have a timber or a metal door. Heat causes doors to expand in their frame, moving them out of alignment slightly. This is also true when weather conditions are humid, as the timber can swell. Conversely, when there are low temperatures, door components can contract and become ever so smaller, which can affect their latching or closing.