Weatherstripping obstructing door latch or deadbolt engagement, leading to difficulty in closing, latching, or locking an exterior or interior door, or requiring excessive force to do so. Troubleshooting & Fixes

    Door won't lock or latch because of new weatherstripping? A veteran locksmith explains how to diagnose and fix the problem, from easy trims to pro-level adjustments.

    DIY Fix: $5–$20
    Pro Help: $150–$500
    Time: 15–120 min

    Quick Answer

    Okay, so here's the quick version. Your door won't latch or the deadbolt won't throw because that new, fluffy weatherstripping you put in is too thick. It's like a pillow blocking the door from closing all the way. This pushes the door away from the frame just enough so the latch or bolt can't reach its home in the strike plate. Nine times out of ten, that's what's going on. You might be able to fix it yourself by trimming the foam or adjusting the strike plate. If you call a pro, you're probably looking at $100-$175 for a quick fix.

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