Realigning Dead Bolts & Strike Plates

Dead bolts keep you and your family safe, but they can become misaligned with strike plates over time, and compromise your security. Realigning a dead bolt and strike plate is a simple do-it-yourself task that homeowners can handle with a few tools. Read how to realign dead bolts and strike plates below, and consider seeking out the help of professionals if you’re not sure how to properly make adjustments.

Why Dead Bolts Misalign

Dead bolts can become misaligned for a number of reasons, including the following: 

• House settling: Door frames can shift as wood-frame houses settle.
• Improper installation: If you did not install the dead bolt or strike plate correctly, the alignment may be off. 
• Loose hinges: Worn or loose door hinges can cause the door to sag.
• Temperature changes: Extreme temperature fluctuations can make wood expand or contract.
• Wear and tear: Everyday door use can eventually affect alignment.

Signs Your Dead Bolt Needs Realignment

Address any of the signs of a misaligned dead bolt below immediately to prevent severe issues: 

• Difficulty locking or unlocking the door
• Scratches on the strike plate or door frame from the bolt
• The lock won’t engage unless you lift or push the door
• Visible misalignment between the dead bolt and strike plate

Tools for Realigning Dead Bolts

Collect the tools and materials below before you start your dead bolt realignment project:

Hand Tools

• Chalk or lipstick
• File
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips head)

Power Tools

• Chisel (for more extensive adjustments)
• Electric drill with appropriate bits

Preparing for the Realignment Process

Follow the steps below before you start realigning your dead bolts:

1. Make sure the area is well-lit.
2. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal filings.
3. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
4. Have a first aid kit nearby.

Assessing the Extent of Misalignment

Carefully examine the dead bolt and strike plate to determine the severity of the misalignment. Follow the steps below:

1. Close the door and engage the dead bolt.
2. See how far off the bolt is from the strike plate.
3. Check if the misalignment is vertical, horizontal, or both.
4. Look for any visible damage to the door frame or strike plate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Realigning Dead Bolts

Below are a few simple ways to make minor adjustments to your dead bolts and strike plates:

Checking and Tightening Hinges

Make sure all the door hinges are secure. You can usually fix minor alignment issues by tightening loose hinges. 

1. Open the door and inspect each hinge.
2. Tighten any loose screws.
3. Replace any stripped or damaged screws.
4. Test the door’s movement after you finish tightening.

Using the Chalk Method

Use chalk marks to help discover where exactly you need to make adjustments. Follow the steps below.

1. Open the door and extend the dead bolt.
2. Apply a thin layer of chalk to the end of the bolt.
3. Close the door and engage the dead bolt.
4. Open the door and observe the chalk marks on the strike plate.

Adjusting the Strike Plate

You may need to adjust the strike plate based on where the chalk marks appear. Or, you may only need to loosen the screws and shift the plate slightly. Read more below.

1. Unscrew the strike plate from the door jamb.
2. Use a file to enlarge the opening in the direction you need.
3. File gradually, and test the fit frequently.
4. Once you’ve made the correct alignment, reattach the strike plate.

Additional Realignment Techniques

Below are several realignment methods you can consider if you need to make serious adjustments:

The Lipstick Method

Here’s how to use lipstick to help you pinpoint where the dead bolt is making contact:

1. Extend the dead bolt and rub a layer of lipstick on the bolt.
2. Close the door and turn the lock to engage the bolt.
3. Open the door to see where the lipstick has made contact with the strike plate.

Vertical Misalignment

You may need to adjust both the strike plate and the door hinges to fix the misalignment. Read how below.

1. Make sure the hinges are not loose.
2. Use the chalk or lipstick method to see where the bolt hits vertically.
3. Loosen the strike plate screws and adjust up or down as needed.
4. Re-tighten the screws and test the alignment.

Horizontal Misalignment

Shifts in the door frame or improper installation can cause horizontal misalignment. Here’s how to correct this error:

1. Use the chalk or lipstick method to determine the degree of horizontal misalignment.
2. Loosen the screws on the strike plate.
3. Adjust the plate left or right.
4. Tighten the screws.

Use Wood Filler

If you need to completely move the strike plate, and you find old screw holes, address them by following the steps below.

1. Remove the strike plate completely.
2. Apply wood filler to the old screw holes.
3. Allow the filler to dry thoroughly.
4. Sand the area until it’s smooth.
5. Reposition the strike plate, drill new pilot holes, and secure the strike plate with screws.

Adjusting the Door Frame

You may need to adjust the door frame in some cases. Read how below. 

1. Remove the door stop molding.
2. Adjust the position of the door in the frame.
3. Reattach the molding.
4. Test the alignment and make any necessary further adjustments.

Troubleshooting Common Deadbolt Realignment Issues

You may run into some issues even after you realign your dead bolts and strike plates. Here’s how to address those:

Dead Bolt Not Extending Fully

Follow the steps below if the dead bolt doesn’t extend completely:

1. Check for obstructions in the strike plate hole.
2. Make sure the strike plate hole is deep enough.
3. Make sure the dead bolt mechanism functions properly

Difficulty Turning the Key

Follow the steps below if the key is hard to turn.

1. Lubricate the lock cylinder with graphite powder.
2. Check for any bent components in the lock mechanism.
3. Make sure the door is properly aligned in the frame.

Maintaining Proper Dead Bolt Alignment

Regular maintenance can prevent future alignment issues. Perform the checks below every few months:

1. Test the lock mechanism.
2. Inspect the strike plate for wear.
3. Make sure the door hinges aren’t loose.
4. Make sure the door frame has not shifted.

Preventive Measures

Follow the steps below to maintain alignment and keep your lock working properly.

1. Lubricate the lock mechanism annually.
2. Avoid slamming the door.
3. Address any signs of door sagging immediately.
4. Consider using longer screws in the strike plate for added stability.

Weather Stripping and Its Role

Weather stripping can compromise dead bolt and strike plate alignment. Read how to check for this below.

1. Make sure any weather stripping is intact.
2. Replace damaged or worn weather stripping to keep a tight seal.
3. Install weather stripping to help prevent temperature changes from shifting the door frame.

When to Call a Professional

Some homeowners may be able to tackle dead bolt and strike plate realignment as a DIY projects, but others may need professional assistance. Consider calling a locksmith or carpenter if any of the variables below apply.

• Multiple adjustment attempts have failed.
• The door frame is severely warped.
• The lock mechanism is damaged.
• You’re uncomfortable making structural changes.

Professional locksmiths or carpenters can assess complex alignment issues, make precise adjustments, repair or replace damaged components, and make sure your door meets safety standards and regulations.