So much hinges on doors shutting properly and tightly, from keeping energy bills low to ensuring the security of your home. A loose-fitting door is a major headache and may seem like a costly and complex repair. But in reality, fixing this common issue takes just a few moments of your time — here’s how…
Mind the Gap
If your door isn’t shutting properly, the culprit is most likely the tab on the strike plate — the metal piece in the doorframe that engages the lock. A tab that’s warped or bent won’t catch the door properly, which often leaves a gap between the door and the door frame (or weather stripping).
Some people may not be bothered by a loose-fitting door, but it comes with hidden costs and potential dangers. First, that gap allows hot or cold air to travel in and out, which can lead to higher-than-necessary energy bills. Second, a loose door makes it easier for potential home invaders to break in. For these reasons, making sure every door in your home shuts tight is crucial. Luckily, closing the gap requires just a standard flathead screwdriver.
More from our network
House Outlook is part of Inbox Studio, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
How To Adjust the Tab
Insert the flat tip of the screwdriver into the tab on the strike plate. (Note: Many strike plate tabs have a cutout designed to make these adjustments easier. If yours doesn’t, you can still adjust it by carefully bending the tab or by widening the latch opening.) Gripping the screwdriver firmly, gently push the handle inward, toward the room the door opens into. This narrows the latch opening so the strike plate secures the door more tightly against the door frame. If the door feels better but isn’t snug after the first adjustment, try again until that pesky wiggle is gone.
Alternatively, you can remove the strike plate altogether, realign it closer to the doorframe, and then screw the plate into this new location. Either of these methods should solve the problem. However, we recommend tinkering with the tab first, as that adjustment doesn’t require any removal or reinstallation.
