Door Won't Latch Properly: How to Fix Doors That Won't Stay Closed

Step-by-Step Solution

1. 1Open door fully
2. 2Tighten all screws on all hinges (both door side and frame side)
3. 3Close door and test latch
4. 4Reaches into wall framing beyond door jamb
5. 5Pulls door tighter to frame
6. 6Prevents future sagging
7. 7Remove hinge
8. 8Fill stripped holes with wooden toothpicks or matchsticks
9. 9Add wood glue
10. 10Break off flush with surface
11. 11Let dry
12. 12Reinstall hinge—screws will bite into new wood
13. 13Use next larger diameter screw
14. 14May need to drill pilot hole to prevent splitting
15. 15Don't go too large—can split jamb
16. 16Insert wall anchors into stripped holes
17. 17Reinstall screws into anchors
18. 18Provides new grip in soft wood
19. 19Shim bottom hinge
20. 20This raises door slightly
21. 21Shim top hinge
22. 22This lowers door slightly
23. 23Remove hinge
24. 24Cut thin cardboard (cereal box works) to match hinge mortise shape
25. 25Place in mortise
26. 26Reinstall hinge on top of shim
27. 27May need multiple layers for sufficient adjustment
28. 28Test and adjust