Why your door won’t latch, and the 5-minute fix

Most doors that won’t latch have moved a few millimeters. Here is how to tell and what to check.

Check the gap

Close the door slowly and watch where the latch meets the strike plate. If it hits above or below, the door has sagged or the frame has moved.

Tighten the top hinge

A loose top hinge lets the door drop. Tighten the screws, or swap one for a longer screw that reaches the stud.

When to call

If the frame is cracked or the door rubs along its whole edge, it needs adjusting or re-hanging.

Sample article for the demo.