How To Replace A Door Jam For Lock

Screw the hinges onto the correct side of the jamb.

How to replace a door jam for lock.

The first step in learning how to fix a door lock that is jammed is diagnosing the cause of the problem. You ll need to cut a mortise a small shallow recess in the wood of the door and doorjamb for the latchbolt and strike plate to rest. The strike side the side with the lockset of these doors has a beveled edge so the door can swing freely. Fortunately cutting out this mortise isn t nearly as difficult as it sounds.

Remove the two screws from the latch plate on the edge of the door and remove the latch from the opening. Knowing how to cut a mortise is essential for installing a deadbolt lock. In some cases the door lock jam can be resolved in a matter of minutes. Place the door in the jamb and fasten it to the hinges.

Begin by removing the screws from the door knob on the interior side of your door. If the doorknob is on the left you need a left handed door. Hang the door in the jamb. Some blank doors have a specific swing direction.

Open the door and stand with your back to the hinges. Hopefully your not here because it happened to you. If your door got kicked in due to a break in the most important thing is feeling secure again. Coat your door key with powdered graphite or spray.

Diagnosing the door lock jam. In some cases door latch plate mortises might need to be cut or enlarged. A proper diagnosis will help you figure out a course which course of action you should pursue. If you exhaust the list of quick fixes and repairs to no avail you ll have to call a locksmith or replace a permanently jammed door lock.