Spring tension on the ball holds the ball in a small indentation in the strike plate. Adjusting the spring and ball can often resolve many latching issues.
Things You Will Need
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Inspect the door and door frame. Look at the ball and latch plate to determine if they are properly aligned.
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Adjust the door hinges to align the door to the frame if necessary. Tighten the door hinges with a screwdriver, or tap the pin back down into the hinge with a hammer.
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Oil the ball and spring latching mechanism with multipurpose oil. Apply a few drops of oil to the ball and close the door to determine if the door is still difficult to latch.
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Remove the ball mechanism from the door. Adjust the depth of the spring behind the ball, using a screwdriver. Reduce the height of the ball by turning the adjustment screw to the right. Increase the ball height by turning the adjustment screw to the left.
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Tighten the latch plate on the door frame. Tighten the screws on the latch plate to secure it to the door frame.
The Drip Cap
- Interior closet doors often feature a ball and spring latching mechanism installed on the top.
- A strike plate is attached to the door frame into which the ball sits when the door is closed.
- Reduce the height of the ball by turning the adjustment screw to the right.
- Tighten the screws on the latch plate to secure it to the door frame.