Door latch catching on wall

[DavidMCO]

In trying to insulate and frame my basement, my sheetrock sticks out a bit too far and is being hit by my door latch.

What're my options for trying to resolve this? Somehow recess the area? Add a large strike plate?

 

[BillK]

Remove the drywall and reframe it so it does not hit ? Either that or reframe the door.

 

[CJ7VFR]

How big is the gap between the door and the frame at the side where the lockset/door knob is when the door is closed? It appears that the door latch is not only hitting the new drywall, but has also been hitting the blue/gray part of the door frame as well.

It sounds like the door might be too close to the frame on the lockset/door knob side. If the door is tight on the lockset side, then maybe you can adjust the gap and move the door more towards the hinge side by recessing the hinges in either the door or the door frame.

Can you post a picture of the door when it is closed so we can see the gap?

Jim

 

[toolmiser]

Maybe not the best solution, but you could install a "dummy knob" that doesn't use a striker, and use a couple magnets to hold the door shut. If it is a bathroom, you will have to find some sort of "lock".

 

[kwschumm]

Does the door side have one of those stupid drive-in retainers around the throw bolt? Those things should be banned, they inch their way out and damage the mating side.

 

[The Cobbler]

did you frame the wall for insulation? looks like you went to far . either re work that framing so there is "room" or put a pc of metal or something for the latch to rub on.

 

[finn]

Rip out the 1/2” Sheetrock and replace it with 3/8”. That may give you enough clearance.

Is there any slop in the bore such that the knob could be cheated towards the hinge side?

 

[slowTA]

I would section the sheet rock in that area. Cut out a 1" tall strip and spackle so that it looks like a long ramp leading to the door frame. Sand it smooth and it will look like you meant for it to be there.

 

[DavidMCO]

Can you post a picture of the door when it is closed so we can see the gap?

Attached.

 

[DavidMCO]

Maybe not the best solution, but you could install a "dummy knob" that doesn't use a striker, and use a couple magnets to hold the door shut. If it is a bathroom, you will have to find some sort of "lock".

That's a great idea I hadn't thought of—had one in my previous house that was actually nice, especially with full-hands.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

http://www.doorlocksdirect.com/el104-630-rc.html

 

[Daniel Dudley]

http://www.doorlocksdirect.com/ets104-630.html

 

[CJ7VFR]

Attached.

The gap looks good in the picture.

Others have given you some good things to look at and try. If you don't want to go ripping everything out and redoing stuff.

I like the idea of just getting a longer strike plate, or making one of your own out of a piece of brass sheet or something.

Jim

 

[DavidMCO]

Not much of a gap on the hinge-side, and the hinges are already decently recessed so I don't think I can get much more room.

Yeah certainly hoping to not tear anything out, especially since it's already been all prepped for paint. Will probably go with the magnetic latch or a strike plate.

 

[wrenchguy]

sometimes planning is needed... who frames and d-walls like that. how u gonna trim it? caulking gun?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Not much of a gap on the hinge-side, and the hinges are already decently recessed so I don't think I can get much more room.

Yeah certainly hoping to not tear anything out, especially since it's already been all prepped for paint. Will probably go with the magnetic latch or a strike plate.

Prepped for paint but you still need to fix that drywall where the striker/bolt has hit it. You might as well do it right and fix it properly.

 

[73fxe]

If it is a 36" door find a 34" door and frame. If You don't fix it right you will regret it later.

 

[jetnow1]

Rip out the 1/2” Sheetrock and replace it with 3/8”. That may give you enough clearance.

Is there any slop in the bore such that the knob could be cheated towards the hinge side?

Might be a problem to do this if wall needs fire protection. I would just spackel
the damage, then put a piece of brass over it to protect it.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

It simply framed incorrectly... why is the finished wall basically flush with the jamb? Move the wall return over or the door is the right solution.

 

[harleybear66]

use a grinder with a cut off wheel and trim a little off the latch then clean it up with a file

 

[joes99]

I have added a 2" strap of flat steel to drywall in a basement that was built with 8" granite stone and the opening couldn't be easily opened up. The latch will slide along the steel to the strike plate easily

 

[Tractorsellr]

I would remove the lockset and replace it with a deadbolt lock. Install a pull above the lock. If you want the door to stay shut install a light duty door closer. If that latch bolt continues to impact the drywall it will fail, the dead latch on the bolt with get wore out and then a credit card can open the door easily. Other choice would be to attach a thin plate and replace the lockset with a Grade 1 lock that will hold up from striking the plate before it enters the strike plate.

 

[Viper98912]

1) Re-frame
2) If not possible (or you don't care), steel plate

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

The easiest way would be to take a belt sander using the wheel end take a bit of gyprock out. Touch up with sanding block feathering it out for a nice smooth curve.

 

[Kenta]

The OP said it's in a finished basement, so if it's an interior door, how about switching to a double action door hinge? Would be handy to push through the door in either direction with your hands full and will auto close. Could probably put a metal plate to cover up the hole from the handle on either side.

 

[Marctrees]

I have added a 2" strap of flat steel to drywall in a basement that was built with 8" granite stone and the opening couldn't be easily opened up. The latch will slide along the steel to the strike plate easily

Yup, easiest and just fine solution.

Could be brushed stainless maybe free from a fabricator's dumpster. or whatever.

Marc

 

[Dustball]

I'd just do a thin piece of sheet metal tucked in behind the lip of the strike plate.

 

[Pate]

I know we sell Don Jo brand strike plates that have an extended lip for just this issue.

 

[dadsEH]

Put the hinges on the other side of the door !