Quick answer
Doors that won’t latch need the strike lined up, the latch replaced, or the hinges tightened. We fix the cause, test that the door closes with a gentle push, and leave the hardware working smoothly.
Photos to text us for a quote
- The edge of the door where the latch sticks out
- The metal strike on the frame, with any scuff marks
- The gap along the latch side with the door shut
- Both sides of the handle
- A short video of you closing the door gently
What’s included
- Strikes moved or filed on doors that won’t latch
- Loose and spinning knobs repaired
- Stuck latch bolts replaced
- Privacy locks fixed or replaced
- Levers installed in place of knobs
- Old strike holes filled and painted
What we don’t do
- New openings cut into a wall for a door or window.
- Glass cutting and glazing; we send that to a glass shop.
- Garage door openers, springs and cables.
In Alhambra homes
About 77 percent of Alhambra’s homes were built before 1980, according to a city housing report. In older houses doors have been painted repeatedly and frames have settled, so latches gradually stop lining up with their strikes.
Get a quote in one text
Send a photo of the door edge, the strike plate and the knob. Our number for photos is (310) 628-9399, and the price comes back before any work is booked.
Hinges first
A loose top hinge lets the door sag so the latch drops below the strike. Tightening it often fixes the latch.
Move the strike
Shifting the strike a little is cleaner than planing the door.
Vintage hardware
Original knobs and mortise locks can often be cleaned and adjusted instead of replaced.
In older Alhambra houses this job often turns up next to door hinge repair, door repair and adjustment, lock and smart lock installation and closet door repair, so mention those when you text and we can price them together.
Sources: City of Alhambra, housing needs report (age of housing stock).
Door latch and knob repair questions from Alhambra homeowners
Why does my door not stay closed?
The latch misses the strike, usually from settling, paint or loose hinges.
Can you fix a doorknob that turns but doesn’t open the door?
Yes. The spindle or latch is worn and gets replaced.
Can you replace round knobs with levers?
Yes, on most doors.
How much does door latch repair cost?
It depends on the hardware. Text a photo for a free estimate.
What types of door latches are there?
Passage latches just hold the door closed. Privacy latches lock with a button. Keyed entry latches lock with a key. Each fits a standard bore, and we match the backset of your door.
Can you replace a door latch assembly?
Yes. We remove the old latch, check the backset, and install a matching latch. Then we adjust the strike so it catches.
Related fixes worth a look
- Door repairSagging doors.
- Locks and smart locksNew locks.
- Door hinge repairLoose hinges.
- Closet door repairCloset doors.
Worth a read: what our sticking wood doors guide says about door latch and knob repair.
Repair guides for this job
- Why original wood doors stick, and how we free them upWhy solid wood and arched-top doors in Alhambra's older homes stick or drift open, the simple hinge fixes, and how we adjust them without harming the wood.
- Keeping original built-in cabinets and hutches workingHow we repair original built-in hutches, linen cabinets and cupboards in Alhambra's 1920s homes: sagging doors, sticky drawers, worn catches and glass.
- Getting the house ready for Santa Ana windsHow to get ready for Santa Ana winds in Alhambra: doors and gates, loose screens, outdoor items, power outages and the small repairs that keep dust and drafts out.
Looking for a handyman in Alhambra for more than one job? Send the whole list and we’ll price it together.
We serve Alhambra first, plus Monterey Park, San Gabriel and other nearby cities. Have a question? See the handyman FAQ.