What to Do If Your Deadbolt Doesn’t Line Up With the Strike Plate
Trying to lock your front door but the deadbolt won’t slide into the strike plate? You’re not alone. A misaligned lock is one of the most common issues we see in Phoenix homes, especially with shifting doors, heat expansion, or settling frames.
At Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm, we help homeowners across Phoenix fix doors that won’t latch properly. Whether your door sticks in the summer or just doesn’t feel secure, here’s what’s going on—and what you can do about it.
Visit our Residential Locksmith page for help from a local expert.
Why Your Deadbolt Isn’t Lining Up
There are a few reasons this happens, and most of them are caused by environmental or structural changes:
- The door has warped due to Arizona heat
- The frame has settled or shifted over time
- Hinges have come loose or started to sag
- The strike plate was installed off-center
- You recently replaced a door or lock and the hardware doesn’t match
If the deadbolt doesn’t glide easily into place or feels like it’s hitting metal, the problem is likely with alignment.
Quick Fixes You Can Try at Home
Tighten the Door Hinges
Grab a screwdriver and tighten all the screws on the top and middle hinges. A sagging door is often the cause of poor alignment.
Test with the Door Open
Try locking the deadbolt while the door is open. If it works fine, that means the issue is with the door frame—not the lock itself.
Mark the Strike Plate
Use a pencil or tape to mark where the bolt hits the plate. If it’s above, below, or to the side of the hole, that tells you what needs to be adjusted.
Widen the Hole in the Strike Plate
Use a metal file or rotary tool to slightly expand the strike hole, allowing the bolt to enter fully without resistance.
Adjust the Strike Plate Position
Unscrew the plate and move it slightly in the direction of the misalignment. Re-drill pilot holes if needed and secure it with longer screws.
When to Call a Locksmith
Sometimes the misalignment is too severe for DIY fixes, or you’re unsure how to adjust the frame without damaging the door. We recommend calling a locksmith if:
- You’ve tried adjusting the plate and it still sticks
- The bolt only locks when you pull or push the door hard
- The lock feels loose, stiff, or uneven
- You’ve recently had a break-in or damage to the frame
We can realign the strike plate, reinforce the door frame, or install new hardware to keep your home secure.
Areas We Serve Across Phoenix
We offer mobile door alignment and lock repair services in:
Ahwatukee
Arcadia
Camelback East
Maryvale
Biltmore
Downtown Phoenix
North and South Phoenix
And surrounding neighborhoods
Secure Locking Starts with Proper Alignment
Your deadbolt should lock with one smooth motion. If you’re forcing it or fighting with it every time you leave the house, it’s time to get it fixed. We’ll get your door closing and locking the way it should—with no gaps, no dragging, and no stress.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
Call Today: (602) 854-2766
https://www.affordablesecurityphoenix.com
Related Service Page
Need help realigning a deadbolt or replacing lock hardware?
Visit: Residential Locksmith Phoenix, AZ