The quick version
I fix latches that won’t catch by aligning the strike, tightening hinges, or replacing the latch. Older San Gabriel homes may have mortise locks, which I can service too.
What I need in your text
- The latch on the door edge
- The strike plate on the frame
- The gap on the latch side
- The handle, inside and out
- A clip of the latch missing the strike
What I repair
- Strikes realigned on doors that won’t catch
- Spinning and wobbly knobs fixed
- Tubular latches replaced
- Old mortise latches serviced or swapped
- Glass and vintage knobs reattached
- Levers fitted for easier use
Latches on older San Gabriel doors
With 52.3 percent of homes over 60 years old, many San Gabriel houses still have original doors with mortise locks or glass knobs. These often just need cleaning, a new spring or a set screw, not replacement.
Where a house has settled, I move the strike rather than planing the door.
How I repair it
Diagnose
Check hinges, latch and strike.
Adjust
Tighten hinges and move the strike.
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Repair or replace
Service or swap the latch and knob.
Test
Close it until it catches every time.
Bigger door problems
A warped slab or a frame far out of square may need carpentry.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about door hinge repair, sticking door repair, lock and door hardware replacement or closet door repair.
Send me
A photo of the latch edge, the strike and the knob.
Latch questions
Why won’t my old door latch?
Settling or paint has moved things out of line. Moving the strike usually fixes it.
Can you fix a glass doorknob that spins?
Usually; the set screw or spindle needs work.
Can mortise locks be repaired?
Often, by cleaning or replacing springs and parts.
How much does door latch repair cost?
It depends on the hardware. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Can you swap knobs for levers?
Yes, on most doors.
Why does my latch stick?
Old paint, dirt or a tired spring.
Can you fix an old mortise latch?
Yes. Mortise locks have a box inside the door. I clean, lubricate or replace the parts, or the whole mortise body if needed.
Where can I find door latch parts?
Most latches are standard, but older ones may not be. I match parts by size and backset.
Where this job leads
- Sticking door repairDoors.
- Locks and door hardwareLocks.
- Door hinge repairHinges.
- Closet door repairClosets.
Before you text: our notes on old mortise locks and vintage door hardware, for anyone booking door latch and knob repair.
Door guides
- Keeping vintage door hardware workingHow we repair, adjust and replace old mortise locks, glass knobs and skeleton-key hardware on the heavy doors in older San Gabriel homes.
- Heavy plank doors that sag, drag or will not latchHow we fix heavy plank and arched doors with iron strap hinges in San Gabriel's Mission Revival homes: sagging, dragging and latches that miss.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.