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I have a typical lock in an exterior door as shown. Note that this door also has a deadbolt, so this is perhaps not a critical fix, but I still would prefer this non-deadbolt to be working properly.

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The strike plate (1) is misaligned with the bolt (2) so the bolt does not go into the opening in the strike plate (the strike plate is almost 1/16" too high).

I am wondering how to fix this to maintain the most strength/integrity of the lock. Would it be one of these, or something else...?

(a) file the opening in the metal strike plate enough so that the bolt fits? Here is a closeup of the strike plate -- I do not think it leaves enough room for such a maneuver...

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(b) move the strike plate down on the frame. Opposite problem here -- it would need too small a movement for the new holes in the wood to be separate from the old holes. Or would it be OK to set the new screw holes at an angle...?

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    Are the hinges worn? That would cause lock misalignment...
    – Solar Mike
    Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 16:01
  • I think Mike is right - assuming that this latch used to be aligned in the past. You should try to fix the cause, not the symptoms.
    – brhans
    Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 17:01
  • My go-to quick fix is to put a 3" long screw into the top hinge. In 90% of cases, that pulls the door back into its original alignment.
    – Aloysius Defenestrate
    Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 18:16
  • First figure out why there is the misalignment.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 20:40
  • Check the hinge screws are any loose? Has the door frame shifted, from the picture I get the impression it has. If something has been hung on the door it would also cause that problem.
    – Gil
    Commented Jul 10, 2021 at 23:49

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