Tightening the hinges did the trick! They weren't even that loose - less than 1/4 turn in each! Some screws were missing - will add them for a longer term fix. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you! As a brand new homeowner, I came across a misaligned security screen door deadbolt. I wasn't sure what to do, but thanks to your video I know what to try now. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me and the world. New subber, MountainAngel (From the Silicon Valley, CA to a 3acre property in the beautiful mountains of the Sierra Foothills, CA)
Great solution - the sticking never bothered me until I switched to an electronic lock that won't lock if it feels resistance. 2 minutes of filing later and it closes cleanly every time. Thanks so much!
wow. I followed everything you said, (but improvised with liquid paper instead of thread seal) Went out to canadian tire and got a file. Worked perfectly!!!! Thank you so much for posting this and going through it, step by step, for those of us not used to doing this kind of stuff. You saved us a visit from locksmith for sure. Regards!!
I thought I knew where the deadbolt was sticking and filed for about 10 minutes and got nowhere. I bit the bullet and put some softened butter on the bolt and found the real sticking point. One minute of filing later the bolt slid in and out like new! I'm a nurse, and treating without diagnosing is never a good idea. Thanks for the great advice.
Wow! This helped me a big deal! I had this problem for years. I didn't know what to do. I tightened the hinges, but they were all ok. I started to search online for a new deadbolt lock to replace it, until I found your video. That resolved the problem!!! Thank you so very much!!!
As someone who’s worked the construction end, just wanted to let you know you are excellent in explaining to the homeowner. You break it down into logical common sense. Sometimes we think with our brain and don’t realize it’s not common place to some. Great video…
Deadbolt would not line up with the strike-Plate. Very hard to lock. I was ready to spend some money to get it fixed. I watched your video and so glad I did. I tighten the hinge-screws and now it works flawlessly. Thank-you so much. Next I'll be installing longer screws for security
That was great, I was able to adjust and fix my garage door BEFORE I bent and wrecked my Key! Very well done video and helped me solve the problem the first time. Thanks much for taking the time.
I live in Phoenix, where houses tend to dry out. So about 10 years after moving in I did have my front door kicked in. The person I got to repair it fitted a single new strike plate combining both deadbolt AND the latch and used 4 inch wood screws going deep into the 2x4. It was a very reassuring fix and 2 years later, I came home to a huge boot print next to the door handle - but the door held up great. Today, I'm just replacing old hardware that is looking cosmetically tired and the new deadbolt is catching just a fraction. I hadn't considered filing. But it certainly beats redrilling holes to move the strike plate. Particularly in view of the massive security feature it is today. Thx.
This worked!!! Thank you so much! Brilliant idea to use the white stuff to see where the blockage is. I used my son's finger paint, and it worked like a charm :) Really appreciate this video!
Thanks a lot for this video, I always had to push hard the door to close it, now after I fixed using your video I can do it with no head ache 😃 thanks again to share this knowledge
Thank you for sharing. I rent and am having issues with my bolts. The landlord tries to fix things, however it is short lived. Hopefully with your video and suggestions, this can be solved.
Great video, but when you closed the door after filing you had your left hand pushing on the door still. It may not have made a difference but just thought I would tell you so you can fix that in future help videos! Great job and I'm going to go try it out now. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I just thought you should know in case anyone else saw it and gave you crap about it. I didn't want to read all the comments so I apologize if this has already been addressed. Thanks
Another excellent video Scott, thank you. Love the caulking idea to tell where bolt is hitting. Lots of great ideas on this video, looking forward to the deadbolt strike video. And thank you very much for taking the time to add links to the items you talk about. I'm Subscribed now.
Why didn't I think if that? I have this problem to fix also. Another issue is the screws on the deadbolt lock itself. I can't tighten the screws very much, just snug. The bolt won't turn easily if the screws are tightened. These are the screws that hold the two sides of the lock
Thanks for sharing! Your video helped me get my deadbolt functional in a time where security is the most important with all the evil out there these days!!
This would actually work. However as a sidebar, that's really not the correct strike plate for a deadbolt. Normally would be a bit larger with 4 holes, 2 standard, and 2 anchors to draw into the framing stud.
Can you use longer security screws if you have a security glass frame on either side of the door? Electronic locks are really annoying as any pressure rubbing against bolt signals BEEPING. Was probably free, but it seems the door shifted over a couple years.
My issue is that the deadbolt is hitting the tab on the strike plate that bends into the hole in the door jam. It's hitting right where the bend is, so I can't just file it away without removing the entire tab. Is there any downside to doing this? Less secure, I suppose. Some of the strike plates I'm seeing don't even have that tab. My other option is to chisel the hole a bit bigger so that I can move the strike plate back a bit, but I don't think I'll be able to use the same screw holes.
My problem isn’t the deadbolt not lining up. It’s getting the door to actually close all the way during wet, rainy weather, which in Ohio is quite often.
What to do if the deadlock plunger extends into the strike plate when a door is pulled fairly hard? When it's not pulled hard everything engages correctly but when the deadlock plunger extends it holds the door a bit farther closed and then the deadbolt can't extend.
First, do you want your door pulled hard or not? I prefer my door to be pulled hard for a very tightly closed door seal. The engaged deadbolt holds this tight seal and will not extend past the strike plate unless the door is pulled hard to the frame.
Tightening the hinges did the trick! They weren't even that loose - less than 1/4 turn in each! Some screws were missing - will add them for a longer term fix. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy to help Lawrence. 👍
Thank you! As a brand new homeowner, I came across a misaligned security screen door deadbolt. I wasn't sure what to do, but thanks to your video I know what to try now. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me and the world. New subber, MountainAngel (From the Silicon Valley, CA to a 3acre property in the beautiful mountains of the Sierra Foothills, CA)
Great solution - the sticking never bothered me until I switched to an electronic lock that won't lock if it feels resistance. 2 minutes of filing later and it closes cleanly every time. Thanks so much!
This is where I’m at now. Need to go get a file to get this done cause it won’t lock unless I push on the door
@@MrCbthomas927 same. Plus the owner of our home installed the deadbolt upside down, too 😑
The exact problem I'm having rn.
wow. I followed everything you said, (but improvised with liquid paper instead of thread seal) Went out to canadian tire and got a file. Worked perfectly!!!! Thank you so much for posting this and going through it, step by step, for those of us not used to doing this kind of stuff. You saved us a visit from locksmith for sure. Regards!!
I just fixed our deadbolt that had been out of alignment for 2 years. I had the tools on hand, so this was a no-cost solution. Thank you!
I thought I knew where the deadbolt was sticking and filed for about 10 minutes and got nowhere. I bit the bullet and put some softened butter on the bolt and found the real sticking point. One minute of filing later the bolt slid in and out like new! I'm a nurse, and treating without diagnosing is never a good idea. Thanks for the great advice.
Thanks! Had it fixed in five minutes
Im a nurse too! Doing these tonight!
Fellow nurse looking to fix this damn problem & install a new smart lock!
Even if this is 4 years old it was still very helpful today. Used the caulking and found the exact spot to grind down with Dremel. Thanks
Wow! This helped me a big deal! I had this problem for years. I didn't know what to do. I tightened the hinges, but they were all ok. I started to search online for a new deadbolt lock to replace it, until I found your video. That resolved the problem!!! Thank you so very much!!!
Super helpful. i thought I was about to enter a world of a major door realignment. Good stuff.
I hear ya and it is always nice when the project is smaller (doesn’t happen often) than expected 👍
As someone who’s worked the construction end, just wanted to let you know you are excellent in explaining to the homeowner. You break it down into logical common sense. Sometimes we think with our brain and don’t realize it’s not common place to some. Great video…
Thanks so much!
Fantastic video! Fixed my door after jamming for 5 years! The butter trick worked perfectly. Thank you!
Thank you for the tip. I never thought of filing down the plate. You just saved me a lot of headache.
Deadbolt would not line up with the strike-Plate. Very hard to lock. I was ready to spend some money to get it fixed. I watched your video and so glad I did. I tighten the hinge-screws and now it works flawlessly. Thank-you so much. Next I'll be installing longer screws for security
That was great, I was able to adjust and fix my garage door BEFORE I bent and wrecked my Key! Very well done video and helped me solve the problem the first time. Thanks much for taking the time.
I live in Phoenix, where houses tend to dry out. So about 10 years after moving in I did have my front door kicked in. The person I got to repair it fitted a single new strike plate combining both deadbolt AND the latch and used 4 inch wood screws going deep into the 2x4. It was a very reassuring fix and 2 years later, I came home to a huge boot print next to the door handle - but the door held up great.
Today, I'm just replacing old hardware that is looking cosmetically tired and the new deadbolt is catching just a fraction. I hadn't considered filing. But it certainly beats redrilling holes to move the strike plate. Particularly in view of the massive security feature it is today.
Thx.
I'd also suggest moving....
HA!!!! Perfect!!! Thank you. Fixed my issue. My smart lock wasn't locking, turns out all I needed was some glue, and sandpaper.
This worked!!! Thank you so much! Brilliant idea to use the white stuff to see where the blockage is. I used my son's finger paint, and it worked like a charm :) Really appreciate this video!
Excellent. Thank you. I used a dremel. Smart door lock was getting stuck. All fixed!
Thanks Scott, great video! Using something to mark the end of the deadbolt is a great idea!
Just had this happen tonight. Thank u for your video. It worked very well and my lock is working smoothly.
Great video. Problem fixed. I will take up your suggestion to replace the strike plate set next for better security. 👍
I never knew about that idea- sticking a substance in to find where it's hitting! Thanks a lot- I used sunblock (it's what I had laying around)
Fixed my door thanks to this video. Thank you brother
Wow, you just made my day!! Thank you so much, this helped me finally align my deadbolt.
Great video. Kwikset should hire you do to their videos. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for this video, I always had to push hard the door to close it, now after I fixed using your video I can do it with no head ache 😃 thanks again to share this knowledge
Great reminder about tightening the hinges
This helped me out a lot on my rental property! Thank you!!!!
Hey Rosita, happy to help. Misaligned door latches and deadbolts are sooooo common at rental properties. I feel your pain.
great video! the file worked great for my deadbolt that was just a smidge off in the humidity (fine in the winter). Thank you so much!
Thank you one less thing I need to ask my husband to do I'm going to give it a try!!
Thank you for sharing. I rent and am having issues with my bolts. The landlord tries to fix things, however it is short lived. Hopefully with your video and suggestions, this can be solved.
Thanks man very smart tightening the hinges. That almost fixed my problem just took a little file work
Great video, but when you closed the door after filing you had your left hand pushing on the door still. It may not have made a difference but just thought I would tell you so you can fix that in future help videos! Great job and I'm going to go try it out now. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I just thought you should know in case anyone else saw it and gave you crap about it. I didn't want to read all the comments so I apologize if this has already been addressed. Thanks
Thank you. Your instructions were very helpful.
Use 3" screws on the hinges too, for added security.
Yup and the strike plate
Thanks dude! I was thinking I had to get an entire new frame and this did the trick!
Solved my problem. Thank you very much. BTW I used suntan lotion instead of caulking. Did the trick.
Saved me having the return the my new smart lock. Thank you.
Another excellent video Scott, thank you. Love the caulking idea to tell where bolt is hitting. Lots of great ideas on this video, looking forward to the deadbolt strike video. And thank you very much for taking the time to add links to the items you talk about. I'm Subscribed now.
Welcome to the team 👍
a slightly less messy approach is to use carbon paper :) (similar to what the dentist's use to check bite after a restoration :) )
Awesome!! Thanks so much. Short, sweet and to the point
Glad it helped!
Very useful video. Help me to fix my front door very easy. Thank you so much.
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
Happy to help!
Great video! Thanks Billy Ripken! :-) Yes, you look like him. Thanks again.
Thank you for this. I just fixed 3 annoying deadbolts in my house in 30 min.
This was so useful!!! Thank you so much.
I used that bit you recommended- wowzer thank you!
Dude, thanks! Love the burr file idea
Very helpful, through, and thoughtful video!
Thanks Brian!
Dude your awesome and you totally look like an Hollywood actor
I needed this. Thanks!
Awesome explanation… thanks for the info
Thank you for this video, now I know how to fix our door that has this problem.
Hey Pam, glad the video helped. Best of luck with your project!
Informative and it worked, thank You
You're welcome!
Why didn't I think if that?
I have this problem to fix also. Another issue is the screws on the deadbolt lock itself. I can't tighten the screws very much, just snug. The bolt won't turn easily if the screws are tightened. These are the screws that hold the two sides of the lock
Thank you for this video. Just fixed my door.
Thanks for sharing! Your video helped me get my deadbolt functional in a time where security is the most important with all the evil out there these days!!
I found toothpaste useful and even better my deadbolt smells like mint now🙃
Genius…thank you!!
Brilliant. Thanks so much!!!
How long are the screws in the security kit. I'm changing locks and they've already been purchased but would like longer screws in the deadbolt.
Worked like a champ! Thank you!
Right on ! Thank you so much ! Problem solved ! Easy peasy ! 💚✌️💚
Thanks very much for your tips!
Great video, do you recommend swapping out the screws for the hinges to 3 inches also? thanks
usually 1 X 3" screw per hinge is plenty with the top hinge being the most important.
Great video! Thank you for doing this.🎉🎉🎉😊
This would actually work. However as a sidebar, that's really not the correct strike plate for a deadbolt. Normally would be a bit larger with 4 holes, 2 standard, and 2 anchors to draw into the framing stud.
Cool! I’m having issues with mine. I d like to try and fix it myself, if possible.
Best of luck with the repair.
Thank You! This was so helpful.
Great video
Thank you!
Excellent Video. How do you fix a deadbolt lock when the sticking is in the lock itself, & not in the strike plate? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the video. How we can deepen the hole where deadlock locks the door?
Makes great sense. Thanks man
You’re welcome!
Can you use longer security screws if you have a security glass frame on either side of the door? Electronic locks are really annoying as any pressure rubbing against bolt signals BEEPING. Was probably free, but it seems the door shifted over a couple years.
Excellent video! I moved into my home and all but 1 deadbolt is misaligned.
Thank you so much for this
My issue is that the deadbolt is hitting the tab on the strike plate that bends into the hole in the door jam. It's hitting right where the bend is, so I can't just file it away without removing the entire tab. Is there any downside to doing this? Less secure, I suppose. Some of the strike plates I'm seeing don't even have that tab. My other option is to chisel the hole a bit bigger so that I can move the strike plate back a bit, but I don't think I'll be able to use the same screw holes.
Amazing tip!
Great tip.
Started off with your tightening if screws. Found 3 that were broken off!!!! How do I get the rest of the screw out of the door?? Help!
Do u Know why I have play in my lever for the dead bolt ?
Ok where can I find strike plate . Is there a brand name or maker on the package ? And which home store can I buy it at ? Thanks
Thanks!
Great video. Thank you
Do you have to use a dremmel to get the excese wood of the door jamb out to fit the new sturdier striker plate? Thanks for the video btw
Hey Travis, I usually just use a wood chisel as there will be less mess compared to a Dremmel. Best of luck on the install.
Thank you!
My problem isn’t the deadbolt not lining up. It’s getting the door to actually close all the way during wet, rainy weather, which in Ohio is quite often.
This is so smart! I love it!
Thanks!
Superb! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Great video
Thanks!
Thank you!
Maybe this is dumb - but could this weaken the strike too much? especially if its on the inside (direction of kick force from oustide) ??
Steven Segal won't kick my door open? LoL
Add the security strikeplate install video thimbnail at end of the vid.
Done! Thanks for the suggestion.
thanks so much
Happy to help Will!
What to do if the deadlock plunger extends into the strike plate when a door is pulled fairly hard? When it's not pulled hard everything engages correctly but when the deadlock plunger extends it holds the door a bit farther closed and then the deadbolt can't extend.
Trying to interpret what you wrote, it sounds like you do what this video is about. File
First, do you want your door pulled hard or not? I prefer my door to be pulled hard for a very tightly closed door seal. The engaged deadbolt holds this tight seal and will not extend past the strike plate unless the door is pulled hard to the frame.
Lipstick will work
The file you use appears to be triangular and is about 8-10 mm at the end. The set you link to does not have a file like that.
Hey Brian, thanks for the heads up this is closer to the set I have amzn.to/3gqIwcb
Absolutely fantastic tips thank you I really appreciate it 👍👍👍👍
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!