Front Door Deadbolt Not Lining Up

Unscrew the strike plate from the door jamb clamp it in a vise then file it down to the chalk mark above right.

Front door deadbolt not lining up.

If it s still not locking file away a little more of the strike plate until the bolt locks properly. If the screws have been stripped they will not tighten in the holes and you ll need new ones. If a deadbolt lock is not working properly take a look at the alignment of the bolt lock and the strike plate. Luckily fixing the alignment of your door doesn t have to be a chore.

Poor alignment can occur because your house has settled or shifted over time the door frame is old or warped or the door is sagging on its hinges. Loose door locks door knobs and door handles. To line up the lock and the strike plate so that the lock goes into the hole easily try filing around the edge of the actual lock and the strike plate. Open the door and look for a telltale kiss on the strike plate.

One possible reason for this is that your door isn t properly aligned. In that case take the hinges from the frame. Reinstall the plate and test the dead bolt. If the door is sagging and will not line up with the latch check the door hinges.

For instance some of the best front door locks are a mixture of mortise locks. Lift the door up to relieve the pressure on the hinges and tighten the screws.