How to Fix Play in a Deadbolt Lock

Open the door where the lock is installed, fully exposing the hinges. Use a screwdriver and turn the screws holding the hinges to the door and jamb clockwise until they stop. Close the door again. Drive the hinge pins all the way into the hinges with a hammer.

Open the door again and tighten the screws holding the lock’s strike plate in the doorjamb. Close the door, check the lock again and see if it works normally.

Spray penetrating lubricant into the door-lock mechanism. Insert your key into the lock mechanism. Opening and closing the lock at least a dozen times spreads the lubricant inside the lock.

File down the lock’s strike plate edges with a rat’s tail file if the lock is sticking. Actuate the dead bolt enough that when you close the door again you can see if the latch is lined up properly with the strike plate.

Adjust the door hinges’ positioning if the lock’s latch is too high or low for the position of the strike plate. If the latch sits too low for the strike plate, remove the door’s bottom hinge. If the latch sits too high for the strike plate, remove the door’s top hinge.

Place one side of the hinge against a piece of cardboard and trace around the hinge. Cut out your tracing from the cardboard using a utility knife. Using the first cutout, trace and cut at least two more.

Reattach the hinge on the door. Slide the cardboard shims between the hinge and the doorjamb. Drive the screws through the cardboard and into the mounting holes in the jamb. Remove the screws and add or take away shims until the door latches properly.