What to do about a storm door that isn't latching?

Heather Cook
by Heather Cook

I have a storm door that isn’t latching. I have tried to loosen the screws on both sides but it is no better? The door can easily be pushed open!

  5 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 22, 2018

    Is it level and plumb in the frame (check inside and outside. There should be no visible daylight on all sides of door, when closed.) ?Does the hydraulic closure require adjustment? Does handle latch need replaced?

    • See 1 previous
    • William William on Jul 23, 2018

      No way to adjust the cylinder. Either it's good or not.

  • Betty Betty on Jul 22, 2018

    Mine did the same thing. .took handle off and took to home depot with me .my storm door was old. .got the right size. . it was easy to replace .Good luck L .

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jul 22, 2018

    I'm thinking more in the line of a small wood spacer behind the wall latch to bring it forward enough to catch the mechanism. Just a thought.

  • Oldwestman Oldwestman on Jul 23, 2018

    To adjust the cylinder you move the screw in the end in and out. The more in it is the slower it closes. And Diana Deiley's idea about the small wooden spacer is right on, our's has one and it works fine.

  • William William on Jul 23, 2018

    The latch on the door jamb should be adjustable. The holes are set at an angle so it can be adjusted u/down and in/out. The screws on both sides just hold the door frame to the jamb.