How to Fix a Door That Won’t Lock: Troubleshooting Guide

Published Date: Jul 29, 2025

Your home’s security starts with doors that function correctly. So what should you do when your door refuses to lock? Let’s review some practical ways to fix a door that won’t lock.

Fixing a Door That Won’t Lock

When a door doesn’t lock, basic troubleshooting can often resolve it. Before you call an emergency locksmith, check your door for some of the most common problems you can handle.

Check the Door and Frame Alignment

Over time, hinges can loosen, causing the door to sag. This prevents the latch from meeting the strike plate properly. Check all the screws on both sides of the hinges and tighten any that are loose.

Adjust the Strike Plate

If the latch doesn’t align with the hole in the strike plate, the strike plate may need to be repositioned or modified. Slowly close the door and see where the latch bolt hits the plate. If it’s not hitting the hole correctly, try filing the cutout wider or repositioning the strike plate slightly.

Examine the Effects of Weather

Wooden doors can swell or shrink with seasonal humidity. If your door sticks, lightly sand the edge where the door sticks or swells against the frame.

Apply Lubrication

Sometimes, the lock mechanism needs a little help moving freely. Apply a lubricant — graphite or silicone spray — to the latch and inside the keyhole, then work the handle and lock.

When the Lock Itself Is the Problem

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the door at all — it’s the lock itself. If you insert your key and it turns freely, but the latch bolt doesn’t retract or extend, or if the key gets stuck or feels rough, these are classic signs of internal wear or damage. Knowing how to fix a door lock that won’t lock starts with recognizing the signs of failure.

You can begin by cleaning out the keyway. A quick blast of compressed air into the keyhole or a gentle pass with a cotton swab can clear dust that might be jamming the mechanism. Then, test the lock with a spare key — sometimes, the problem lies in a bent or worn key rather than the lock itself.

If the lock seems functional but has trouble with keys, rekeying can be an option. However, if the lock is old, shows visible signs of damage, or the issues persist after cleaning and trying a spare key, the internal components are likely too worn or broken for a simple repair. In that case, the best approach for how to fix a door lock that’s beyond repair is to replace the entire assembly with a new, more reliable model.

Summing Up

Dealing with a door issue can be stressful, but now you know the basic steps in how to fix a door that won’t lock. Whether the problem is with hinges, the strike plate, the lock, or the door itself, take your time to handle it.

However, if you’ve tried the steps and the door is still unsecured, or the problem seems complex, Sure Lock & Key is ready to support you with fast and reliable locksmith service. We’re just a call away if you need a locksmith you can rely on.

If you like your current door knob but want to replace the lock, there’s no need to take everything off. Instead of looking up how to remove the door knob with the lock, you can simply remove the cylinder. Learn how to remove the lock from the door knob quickly, easily, and without unnecessary damage.

How to Pick a Bedroom Door Lock with a Key: Simple Guide

This can happen even with the best of us — you walk down the hall, go to open the bedroom door, and suddenly realize you’re locked out of your own room. Maybe the key is lost or broken, or the lock won’t turn. Whatever the case, it’s frustrating, but there’s no need to break down the door. There are safe, simple ways to get back inside without causing damage. In this guide, we’ll explain how to pick a bedroom door lock with a key using safe, straightforward, and simple methods to try at home.

How to Unlock a Door Lock from Outside: Easy Methods

You step out for just a second — and then, click — the door shuts behind you, keys nowhere in sight. It’s a familiar yet frustrating feeling. Knowing how to lock a door from outside is important for home security, but sometimes, you find yourself on the wrong side of that lock. When that happens, knowing how to unlock a door lock from outside can be a lifesaver. No matter what type of lock you’re dealing with, this guide will show you practical methods to unlock a door yourself without panicking.