Have you recently removed a door? Did you move into a new apartment where the old door was removed by the previous occupier? Is there a big old door latch hole? Do not look any further. We will discuss how to fill old door latch hole in this piece and other things necessary to do the job as quickly as possible and thoroughly. While we wait to jump-start the discussion, let us discuss what causes an old door latch hole. A loose hinge is one of the reasons why an old door latch hole may occur. Many times, the opening and closing of the door may cause the hinge to loosen, thus the door latch hole too big.
The process of removal of a latch plate can cause damage and widen the latch hole. Hence, there is a latch hole that you will need to fill if you want to install a new door and a lock in it. While the above are a few reasons why an old door has a latch hole, they are not exhaustive, and there are more reasons not discussed in this paragraph.
How to fill old door latch hole
It is natural to want to leave the old door latch hole as is, or you may want to apply paint over it. However, that would not fill up the hole, and it may stay there for as long as it wants. What more? When you are trying to install a new door, you may encounter some problems in the way the door does not close properly. What is the remedy to get your old door latch hole filled? The remedy will be discussed in the guide below.
We have also an info guide on how to shave down a door. If you want to read it click here right now.
Tools you’ll need for the job
- Sander
- brush
- epoxy
- plastic scraper
- Dowel
- screws and screwdrivers
Now that we know what causes a latch hole in an old door, let’s teach you how to fill old door latch hole.
Guide A – Filling the old door latch old with epoxy resins
Step 1: Select a Robust filler
Since the latch holes in an old door would be big, it is advisable that you go for a filler that is durable for filling the old door latch hole. Chief amongst the leading fillers are those made of epoxy resins or polyester.
Step 2: Mix the fillers
In a flat piece of wood, mix any of the two fillers with a plastic scraper and apply it bit by bit, strategically to the latch hole till the hole is well filled.
Guide B – Filling the old door latch hole with a piece of wood (dowel)
Step 3: Select the wood dowel
It is ideal when you are filling an old door latch hole in a plank of wood to use a dowel. You will need to choose the dowel that is of the perfect diameter to fill the hole. Once done, you should affix the dowel and sand till aligned to the mortise area. Since the dowel will leave a dark spot in the area, which is different from the door wood, it is advisable that you paint it. That is according to Renovation Headquarters.
How to fill holes left when a door strike was moved
Step 1: Prepare the area
Under this step, you should remove all the door locks, strikes, and other hardware from the latch hole. As advised by On the House, to fill a woodwork hole left by a mortise lock, it is ideal to use a sander to smoothen out rough edges in the mortise spaces.
Step 2: Dust the area clean
Since you will be applying paint and then a filler, it is advisable that you use a brush or any other cleaning aid to dust or clean wood shavings in the mortise area. This is a recommended practice by Home guides.
Step 3: Mix the Epoxy according to the direction
Following directions when mixing the epoxy is necessary if you want to achieve a mixture that is both soft yet able to harden and dry when applied to the old door latch hole. Therefore, the solvent and the resins must be proportionate as directed on the epoxy package. Most packages always come with instructions. However, where the epoxy you bought does not have instructions, kindly mix as reasonably and carefully as possible.
The mixing can be done on a piece of wood or any plastic that could serve the purpose.
Step 4: Apply the mixture in the latch hole
The consistency of the epoxy should be putty-like if you have followed instructions or done the mixture as required. And with a plastic scraper, apply a little mixture of the epoxy first to the side and bottom of the mortise area to fill in the strike plate hole. Then, scoop more to apply to the cavity, and take care to do this last. It is advisable to note that epoxy does not have the tendency to shrink if you have mixed it well. Therefore, do not attempt to overfill the mortise area with too much epoxy.
Step 5: Use a sander
The epoxy should be dry in no time, and afterward, you should sand off the area to get a flat surface. Where desired, you can apply the painting of your choice when your old door latch hole has been filled and is ready to use again for a new door strike.
How to fill old door latch hole: Tips
- You are better off following instructions or directions when mixing epoxy, as it is a delicate material, and you do not want it to lose its consistency when applied to the latch hole.
- Read the label on the epoxy to know whether the particular epoxy you are choosing will require a primer after you have applied the epoxy.
- Go for the right epoxy as it comes in variety, based on whether you want to apply it on metal, wood, or stone, among others.
- If you want to avoid painting your mortise area after filling, you should go for epoxy of the color that matches your lock hole filler plate and the wood or door material.
- Keep windows open when mixing epoxy because of its strong smell.
- Wear a face mask when using epoxy because the smell can sometimes knock you off balance.
- Practice safety every day.
- Wear safety gloves and goggles.
How to fill old door latch hole: FAQ
Can I use wood filler on the door frame?
Yes, you can use wood filler on the door frame. Wood filler is the ideal material to use when you fill an old latch hole before the application of other wood fillers. The reason is that they are renowned for their easy adaptiveness and for their durability when used for bigger latch holes.
How do I cover a hole in my front door?
To cover a hole in your front door, you must first tidy up the hole by dusting off any rough edges. Two, you want to mix and apply the filler to the hole. Three, when the filler is dry and has adhered, sand the area and apply your paint. That way, you have covered the hole in your front door.
Can you screw into wood filler?
Yes. It is possible to screw into a wood filler. But not all sizes of the screw will go into the wood filler. Notably, small screws are known to be easy on wood filler, while in some cases long screws may also go into the wood filler. It is imperative to note that only the epoxy wood filler can take screws when dry. Hence, you should not apply this to all other wood fillers.
How do you fix the deadbolt hole?
To fix a deadbolt hole, you will require a deadbolt dowel. This will be attached to the hole with an adhesive. Afterward, fill every side left with a wood filler. Use a sander to even the surface of the door when you are done. Lastly, paint the area if you desire it, especially to make things match.
Conclusion
A summary of our discussion so far as it centers on how to fill old door latch hole is that it is possible to fill it. The article explains why latch holes are an occasional occurrence in your home. Additionally, a step-by-step guide on how to fill the old door latch hole was discussed. The useful tips were given to ensure a smooth process and for your safety.
Although, we are often prone to look the other way when it comes to safety. It is our recommendation that you should follow all the expert tips in this article as you will be working with a chemical epoxy filler that can have an offensive smell.
Reference
- https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-shift-a-doors-latch-hole-and-strike-plate-up-or-down-half-an-inch
- https://homesteady.com/fill-holes-left-door-strike-moved-11149.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/how_to_fill_the_hole_left_in_the_door_from_old/
- https://www.instructables.com/Plug-an-Old-Lock-Hole/
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fill-holes-left-door-strike-moved-32567.html
- https://www.renovation-headquarters.com/door-strike-plate.html
- https://onthehouse.com/door-hinge-fill/
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/how-clean-showerhead-13771618.html
- https://www.everydayhomerepairs.com/how-to-fix-an-interior-door-that-wont-latch/
- https://homesteady.com/fill-holes-left-door-strike-moved-11149.html
