How to Move Door Strike Plate: Easy Alignment

Correctly aligning a door requires careful attention to detail, and understanding how to move door strike plate is paramount. The door frame, which is the entity that houses the strike plate, must be properly prepared before any adjustments. A misaligned strike plate often necessitates the use of tools like a chisel for precise adjustments, and inaccurate placement can lead to issues like difficulty in engaging the door lock. The services of a professional locksmith can be engaged to ensure the strike plate moves and is aligned with precision, ensuring the door functions smoothly.

Is Your Door Giving You the Cold Shoulder? Why a Misaligned Latch Demands Your Attention

A door that refuses to latch isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a compromised entry point. Beyond the frustration of jiggling the handle and forcing the door shut, a misaligned latch poses a significant security risk.

The Importance of a Properly Aligned Door

A well-aligned door provides security and peace of mind. It ensures a snug fit within the frame, preventing easy access for intruders. A properly functioning latching mechanism is the first line of defense against unwanted entry.

Beyond security, proper alignment contributes to the longevity of the door and frame. Forcing a misaligned door can cause undue stress on the hinges, latch, and surrounding wood, leading to premature wear and costly repairs.

Finally, a door that latches smoothly and effortlessly simply enhances the user experience. It eliminates the daily annoyance of struggling with a stubborn door and creates a sense of quality and care within the home.

The Strike Plate: The Unsung Hero of Door Security

Often overlooked, the strike plate is a critical component of the door's locking mechanism. It is the metal plate mortised into the door jamb. It accepts the latch bolt, securing the door closed.

The strike plate provides a solid anchor point for the latch bolt. When the latch bolt engages properly, it creates a secure and reliable closure. A misaligned strike plate renders the entire locking system ineffective.

Think of the strike plate as the foundation of your door's security. If the foundation is weak or improperly positioned, the entire structure is compromised.

Root Causes of Strike Plate Misalignment

Strike plate misalignment rarely happens spontaneously. It’s usually the result of subtle shifts over time.

Home settling is a common culprit. As the house settles, the door frame can shift slightly, throwing off the alignment of the strike plate.

Normal wear and tear can also contribute. The constant opening and closing of the door can gradually loosen screws or cause the door or frame to warp.

Forced entry attempts, even unsuccessful ones, can damage the strike plate or the surrounding wood, leading to misalignment. Even if the door held, the structural integrity of the locking mechanism might be compromised.

A DIY Solution: Realigning Your Strike Plate

Fortunately, correcting a misaligned strike plate is often a straightforward DIY project. By carefully assessing the situation and making precise adjustments, you can restore your door's security and functionality.

The following sections will guide you through the process of moving a strike plate, step-by-step. You will learn how to identify the cause of the misalignment, remove the existing strike plate, make necessary adjustments to the door jamb, and reinstall the strike plate in its new, correct location.

With a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you can ensure your door latches smoothly and securely, providing you with peace of mind.

Gathering Your Tools and Assessing the Damage: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Before diving into any DIY project, the groundwork is crucial. This is especially true when dealing with door hardware, where precision and understanding are paramount.

Gathering the right tools and meticulously assessing the situation are the initial steps that can make or break your success in moving a strike plate and restoring your door's security.

Essential Tools and Materials: Your Arsenal for Success

Having the right tools at your disposal will not only make the job easier but also ensure a professional-quality result. Consider this your essential inventory:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead, various sizes): A variety of sizes is crucial to avoid stripping screw heads. Invest in a good set.
• Drill with various drill bits: For creating pilot holes and potentially enlarging the mortise.
• Wood chisel and hammer: Necessary for carefully removing wood if the strike plate requires a larger recess.
• Pencil and measuring tape/ruler: Accuracy is key. Precise measurements are critical for proper alignment.
• Wood filler/epoxy wood filler and putty knife: For repairing stripped screw holes and creating a solid base. Epoxy wood filler is preferable for enhanced durability.
• Sandpaper (various grits): For smoothing filled areas and ensuring a flush finish.
• Wood screws (various sizes): To secure the strike plate properly after adjustment.
• Strike plate shims/adjustment plates (optional): These can be invaluable for making minor adjustments to achieve perfect alignment.
• Safety glasses/goggles: Protect your eyes! Woodworking can create flying debris.

Assessing the Damage: Uncovering the Root Cause

A hasty repair can often lead to recurring problems. Before reaching for your tools, take the time to thoroughly assess the door alignment and identify the underlying cause of the misalignment. This diagnostic process will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Check for Damage or Wear

Carefully examine the mortise (the recess in the door jamb where the strike plate sits) and the door jamb itself. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or rot. Also, assess for general wear and tear.

Is the wood soft or crumbling? This could indicate a larger structural issue that needs addressing.

Examine Latch Bolt Alignment

Observe how the latch bolt interacts with the strike plate opening when the door is closed.

Is the latch bolt hitting the top, bottom, or side of the opening? This will determine the direction in which you need to adjust the strike plate.

Inspect Screw Holes

Pay close attention to the screw holes in the door jamb. Are they stripped or enlarged? Are the screws loose or easily removable? Stripped screw holes are a common problem and can significantly compromise the strike plate's stability.

Safety First: Protecting Yourself

Before you begin any work, put on your safety glasses or goggles. This simple precaution can prevent serious eye injuries from flying wood chips or debris. Safety should always be your top priority.

Removing the Old Strike Plate: A Delicate Operation

Before diving into any DIY project, the groundwork is crucial. This is especially true when dealing with door hardware, where precision and understanding are paramount.

Removing the existing strike plate might seem straightforward, but it's a step that demands careful attention. A hasty approach can easily lead to further damage, turning a minor fix into a more significant repair.

The Gentle Art of Screw Removal

The first step is, of course, removing the screws that secure the strike plate. Seems simple enough, right?

However, resist the urge to simply power through with a drill. Start with a properly sized screwdriver.

Ensure the screwdriver bit fits snugly into the screw head. Applying firm, steady pressure while turning slowly is key.

This minimizes the risk of stripping the screw head, a common pitfall that can complicate matters considerably.

Examining the Scene of the Crime: Screw Hole Inspection

Once the strike plate is free, don't discard it just yet. Take a moment to carefully examine the screw holes in the door jamb.

This is where you'll often find evidence of the underlying problem. Are the holes enlarged?

Do you see splintered wood or crumbling material? These are telltale signs of stripped screw holes, a frequent culprit behind a loose or misaligned strike plate.

Identifying this damage early allows you to plan for proper repair in the next step.

When Screws Refuse to Budge: Troubleshooting Stuck Fasteners

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, screws simply refuse to come out. They might be rusted, painted over, or seized in place due to age or corrosion.

Don't force it! Applying excessive pressure can easily strip the screw head or even break the screw.

Instead, try a few gentle persuasion techniques. A penetrating oil, applied directly to the screw head and allowed to soak for a few minutes, can often loosen stubborn fasteners.

Alternatively, tapping the screwdriver handle lightly with a hammer can sometimes help break the bond.

If all else fails, a screw extractor can be a lifesaver. These specialized tools are designed to grip and remove even the most stubborn screws.

Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding wood.

Repairing Damaged Screw Holes: Creating a Solid Foundation

Before diving into any DIY project, the groundwork is crucial. This is especially true when dealing with door hardware, where precision and understanding are paramount.

Removing the existing strike plate might seem straightforward, but it's a step that demands careful attention. A hasty approach can lead to further damage, potentially complicating the repair process and compromising the overall integrity of the door frame.

One of the most common issues encountered during strike plate replacement is stripped screw holes. If the screws spin freely without tightening, it’s a clear indication that the wood fibers have been compromised. This is where repairing damaged screw holes becomes critical. Without a solid foundation, the new strike plate won’t be secure, negating the very purpose of the repair.

Filling Stripped Screw Holes: Wood Filler vs. Epoxy

The first step is choosing the right material. Two primary options exist: wood filler and epoxy wood filler.

Wood filler is generally more cost-effective and easier to sand. It’s best suited for minor damage and smaller holes. However, it tends to shrink as it dries and may not provide the same level of strength as epoxy.

Epoxy wood filler, on the other hand, offers superior strength and durability. It’s ideal for larger holes or when dealing with rotted or weakened wood. Epoxy also resists shrinking and provides a more permanent solution. However, it can be more challenging to sand and may require more careful application.

Consider the extent of the damage and the desired level of durability when making your choice. For most standard repairs, epoxy wood filler is the preferred choice due to its enhanced strength and longevity.

Proper Application Technique: Achieving a Seamless Repair

Regardless of the filler chosen, the application technique is crucial for a successful repair.

1. Clean the Area: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area. Remove any loose wood fibers or debris that could interfere with the filler's adhesion. A small brush or vacuum can be helpful for this step.

2. Prepare the Filler: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and preparing the wood filler or epoxy. Accurate mixing ratios are essential for proper curing and achieving the desired consistency.

3. Apply the Filler: Using a putty knife, carefully apply the filler to the stripped screw holes. Overfill the holes slightly to compensate for any shrinkage during the drying process.

4. Smooth the Surface: Use the putty knife to smooth the surface of the filler, ensuring it is flush with the surrounding wood. Remove any excess filler to minimize sanding later.

5. Allow to Cure: This is arguably the most critical step. Resist the urge to rush the drying process.

The Importance of Sufficient Drying Time

Patience is paramount when repairing damaged screw holes. Insufficient drying time can compromise the entire repair, leading to weak and unstable screw holes. Always refer to the product instructions for the recommended drying time.

Drying times can vary depending on the type of filler used, the ambient temperature, and the humidity level. Generally, allow at least 24 hours for wood filler to dry completely and 48 hours for epoxy wood filler.

During the drying process, avoid disturbing the filled areas. This will ensure the filler cures properly and achieves its maximum strength.

Sanding to a Smooth Finish: Preparing for the Strike Plate

Once the filler is completely dry, it’s time to sand the surface smooth.

1. Start with a Medium Grit: Begin with a medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit) to remove any excess filler and level the surface.

2. Transition to a Fine Grit: Switch to a fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit) to achieve a smooth, flush finish. Feather the edges of the filled area to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wood.

3. Dust Removal: After sanding, thoroughly remove any dust particles with a clean cloth or vacuum. This will ensure a clean surface for the new strike plate.

By following these steps carefully, you can create a solid foundation for the new strike plate, ensuring a secure and long-lasting repair. Remember, a properly repaired screw hole is essential for the security and functionality of your door.

Marking the New Location: Precision is Key

After repairing any damage, the next crucial step involves pinpointing the new position for your strike plate. This isn't a step where approximation suffices; precision is paramount to guarantee the latch bolt aligns correctly, ensuring effortless and secure door operation. The consequences of miscalculation can range from a door that refuses to latch to one that feels insecure, so take your time and measure twice (or even three times!).

Determining Optimal Strike Plate Placement

The key to successful strike plate repositioning lies in accurately determining where the plate needs to sit for perfect latch bolt alignment. This involves more than just eyeballing it. Close the door gently and observe how the latch bolt meets the door jamb. Is it hitting too high, too low, or to either side of the existing strike plate opening?

Carefully analyze the point of contact. This will dictate the direction and magnitude of the adjustment needed. Factors such as door sag (common in older homes) and warping can influence this placement.

Tools for Accurate Marking

The humble pencil and measuring tape (or ruler) are your best friends in this process. Use a sharp pencil to make precise marks on the door jamb.

A measuring tape helps determine the exact distance the strike plate needs to shift. If you are using digital measuring tools, be sure they're properly calibrated before proceeding.

The Closed-Door Test: Aligning Latch and Plate

This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of marking the new location. With the door closed, ensure the marked location aligns perfectly with the center of the latch bolt.

This often requires a bit of trial and error. Lightly mark a preliminary spot, close the door, and check the alignment. Adjust as needed until the latch bolt slides smoothly into the intended strike plate opening.

Protecting the Door Jamb During Marking

Before you begin, consider applying a strip of painter's tape to the door jamb where you'll be marking. This simple step protects the finish from pencil marks and potential smudges, keeping your work neat and professional. The painter's tape gives a clean surface to mark on; it is easily removable.

Using a utility knife, you can trim the edges for the needed cutouts. This added layer of care will pay off in the final results.

Widening or Deepening the Mortise (If Needed): A Step-by-Step Guide

After precisely marking the intended new location for the strike plate, you may find that the existing mortise (the recessed area in the door jamb that houses the strike plate) is insufficient. This most often occurs when shifting the strike plate significantly, either vertically or horizontally. Modifying the mortise is a task requiring patience and a measured approach. Here's how to tackle it.

Assessing the Need for Mortise Adjustment

Before grabbing your chisel, thoroughly evaluate whether mortise adjustment is truly necessary. Place the strike plate against your marked outline. If it sits flush and only a sliver of wood obstructs the latch bolt's path, minor widening or deepening is likely all you need.

However, if the strike plate noticeably overlaps the existing mortise or sinks too deeply within, more extensive work is in order. Ignoring these discrepancies could result in a strike plate that isn't properly seated. This in turn undermines the door's security and smooth operation.

Tools of the Trade: Preparation is Key

The primary tools for this task are a sharp wood chisel and a hammer or mallet. The size of the chisel should be appropriate for the task. A smaller chisel offers greater control for precise work. Safety glasses are non-negotiable, protecting your eyes from flying wood chips.

Having a utility knife on hand is also useful for scoring the perimeter of your marked area. As we’ll explore, this is an important step that helps prevent splintering and ensures clean, defined edges.

The Chiseling Process: A Delicate Balance of Force and Finesse

Scoring the Outline

Prior to any forceful chiseling, use a utility knife to score the outline of the area you intend to remove. Run the knife along your pencil lines multiple times. Apply moderate pressure. This creates a clean break in the wood fibers, significantly reducing the risk of splintering beyond your intended area.

Removing Wood in Layers

Never attempt to remove large chunks of wood at once. Instead, work in shallow layers. Position the chisel at a slight angle to the wood surface, bevel side down. Gently tap the chisel with the hammer or mallet. Advance the chisel incrementally.

This layered approach gives you maximum control. The result is a cleaner, more precise mortise. Remember, you can always remove more wood, but you can't put it back.

Working With the Grain

Pay close attention to the wood grain's direction. Chiseling with the grain is generally easier. It produces cleaner cuts. Chiseling against the grain can lead to splintering. If you must chisel against the grain, take even smaller bites and exercise extreme caution.

Frequent Test Fitting

After removing each layer of wood, frequently test-fit the strike plate. This allows you to continually assess your progress and ensure you're not removing too much material. A snug fit is ideal. It provides a secure and professional-looking installation.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Over-chiseling is a common mistake. If you accidentally remove too much material, don’t panic. Wood filler or epoxy wood filler can be used to patch the area. Allow the filler to dry completely and then sand it smooth before re-attempting the mortise adjustment. However, aim for precision from the start to minimize the need for repairs.

Another pitfall is using a dull chisel. A dull chisel requires more force. This increases the risk of slippage and damage. Keep your chisels sharp and well-maintained for optimal performance and safety.

Installing the Newly Positioned Strike Plate: Securing it Right

After precisely marking the intended new location for the strike plate, you're ready to secure it. This step is crucial, as a poorly installed strike plate is just as ineffective as a misaligned one. Proper installation ensures the latch bolt engages securely, providing the intended level of security and smooth door operation.

Positioning the Strike Plate with Precision

First, carefully align the strike plate with the markings you made earlier. The edge of the strike plate should precisely match the lines indicating its new position. If the mortise required widening or deepening, ensure the strike plate sits flush within the recess. Any protrusion could impede door closure. Use painter's tape temporarily to hold the strike plate in place. This is before permanently securing it, which will allow you to check alignment and make minor adjustments.

The Importance of Pilot Holes

Never skip pre-drilling pilot holes. This step is critical, particularly when working with hardwoods. Pilot holes prevent the wood from splitting. They also guide the screws straight, ensuring a secure and lasting hold.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws you'll be using. Drill pilot holes through the screw holes in the strike plate. Go deep enough to penetrate the door jamb sufficiently.

Securing the Strike Plate: The Right Screws, The Right Torque

Select new, high-quality wood screws that are appropriately sized for the strike plate and the depth of the door jamb. Avoid reusing the old screws, especially if they show signs of wear or stripping. Begin by hand-tightening the screws to ensure they are properly aligned.

Then, use a screwdriver to tighten them fully. Be cautious not to overtighten. Overtightening can strip the screw heads or damage the surrounding wood, negating the benefits of pre-drilling pilot holes. The goal is to achieve a snug fit that holds the strike plate firmly in place.

Fine-Tuning with Strike Plate Shims: Addressing Minor Imperfections

Even with careful measurements and precise installation, minor misalignment issues can still occur. This is where strike plate shims or adjustment plates come into play.

These thin pieces of metal or plastic are placed behind the strike plate to slightly adjust its position. They help to compensate for small variations in door or frame alignment. If the latch bolt is hitting the top or bottom edge of the strike plate opening, adding shims behind the corresponding area of the strike plate can often resolve the issue.

Experiment with different shim thicknesses. You should then test the door closure after each adjustment until you achieve smooth and reliable latching. Adjustment plates offer even greater control. They allow for minute, incremental adjustments to the strike plate's position, providing a more precise solution for fine-tuning alignment.

Testing and Fine-Tuning: Achieving Smooth Operation

Installing the Newly Positioned Strike Plate: Securing it Right After precisely marking the intended new location for the strike plate, you're ready to secure it. This step is crucial, as a poorly installed strike plate is just as ineffective as a misaligned one. Proper installation ensures the latch bolt engages securely, providing the intended level of security and ease of use. However, the real test lies in the execution – the fine-tuning that separates a functional fix from a truly seamless operation.

Now, it's time to see how the newly installed strike plate performs. Don't assume the job is finished simply because the strike plate is screwed in. A thorough testing and fine-tuning process is critical to ensure your door closes smoothly and latches securely.

Initial Testing and Observation

Begin by slowly closing the door. Pay close attention to how the latch bolt interacts with the strike plate.

Does it slide smoothly into the opening? Or does it catch, bind, or require excessive force?

Listen for any unusual noises, like scraping or grinding, which can indicate misalignment. These subtle cues can reveal problems that need attention.

Identifying Engagement Issues

The goal is for the latch bolt to glide effortlessly into the strike plate opening. Any resistance indicates a problem that needs addressing.

Here are a few common scenarios and what they might indicate:

• Latch Bolt Catches on the Edge: This usually means the strike plate is positioned slightly too high, low, or to either side.
• Door Requires Excessive Force to Close: This may suggest the strike plate is set too deep, or the latch bolt is not fully retracting.
• Latch Bolt Doesn't Fully Engage: This could mean the strike plate isn't deep enough, or the door frame is preventing full closure.

Methods for Strike Plate Adjustment

Fortunately, small misalignments are often easily remedied. The two primary methods for adjustment involve shimming the strike plate or making small adjustments to the mortise.

Shimming the Strike Plate

Strike plate shims are thin pieces of material (often metal or plastic) placed behind the strike plate to adjust its position. They are incredibly useful for correcting minor vertical or horizontal misalignments.

To use shims, loosen the strike plate screws slightly and insert the shim(s) behind the plate on the side that needs to be moved outward. Tighten the screws and retest the door. Add or remove shims as needed until the latch bolt engages smoothly.

Mortise Adjustments

If shimming isn't sufficient, you may need to make slight adjustments to the mortise (the recessed area in the door frame that houses the strike plate). This requires a wood chisel and hammer.

• Widening the Mortise: If the latch bolt is catching on the side of the strike plate opening, carefully widen the mortise on the appropriate side using a chisel. Work in small increments to avoid removing too much material.
• Deepening the Mortise: If the latch bolt isn't fully engaging, you may need to deepen the mortise. Again, use a chisel to carefully remove small amounts of wood from the back of the mortise until the latch bolt can fully extend into the strike plate opening.

Iterative Adjustments and Testing

The key to successful fine-tuning is to make small, incremental adjustments and then retest the door. Avoid making large changes all at once, as this can easily lead to over-correction.

After each adjustment, close the door and carefully observe the latch bolt engagement. Pay attention to both the feel and the sound of the door closing. Repeat this process until the door closes smoothly, quietly, and securely.

The Importance of Patience

Patience is paramount. Achieving perfect alignment can take time and several iterations of adjustment and testing.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right on the first try. The goal is to get it right by constantly testing and adjusting.

By taking a methodical approach and paying attention to the details, you can ensure your door operates smoothly and securely.

After precisely marking the intended new location for the strike plate, you're ready to secure it. This step is crucial, as a poorly installed strike plate is just as ineffective as a misaligned one. Proper installation ensures the latch bolt engages smoothly, providing both security and ease of use. However, even with meticulous effort, issues can still arise. Understanding how to troubleshoot these problems and implementing long-term solutions is paramount to ensuring a properly functioning door.

Troubleshooting and Long-Term Solutions: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Even after meticulously following the steps to reposition your strike plate, you might encounter persistent issues. The key is not to get discouraged, but to systematically diagnose the remaining problems and implement appropriate solutions. This section dives into common post-adjustment challenges, offering guidance for both immediate fixes and long-term preventative measures.

Addressing Common Problems

Let's examine some of the common challenges that might surface after repositioning the strike plate:

Continued Misalignment

Despite your best efforts, the door latch might still not align perfectly with the strike plate.

This can manifest as difficulty closing the door, the latch not fully engaging, or the door rattling in the frame. The first step is to re-evaluate the alignment.

Double-check your measurements and ensure the strike plate is indeed positioned correctly relative to the latch bolt. Even a slight discrepancy can cause problems.

If the misalignment is minor, consider using strike plate shims or adjustment plates. These thin pieces of metal or plastic are placed behind the strike plate, allowing for subtle adjustments.

Experiment with different shim combinations until you achieve optimal alignment.

For more significant misalignment, you might need to revisit widening or deepening the mortise, as described earlier. It's possible the initial adjustment wasn't sufficient.

Loose Screws

A common problem, especially in older door frames, is screws that refuse to stay tightened in the strike plate. Stripped screw holes render the strike plate insecure, negating all your efforts.

The simplest solution is to use longer screws. Longer screws can reach deeper into the wood, finding fresh material to grip.

However, if the screw holes are severely stripped, you'll need to repair them. The process is similar to that described earlier: fill the holes with wood filler or epoxy wood filler, allow it to dry completely, and then pre-drill new pilot holes before installing the screws.

Consider using specialty screws designed for stripped holes. These screws often have deeper threads or a unique design that helps them grip even in damaged wood.

More Extensive Door Frame Repair Options

If the issues persist despite your best efforts, the problem might extend beyond a simple strike plate misalignment. The door frame itself might be damaged or structurally unsound.

Replacing Damaged Wood: Inspect the door jamb for signs of rot, decay, or significant damage. If the wood is compromised, replacing the affected section might be necessary. This can be a complex task, often best left to a professional carpenter.

Reinforcing the Door Frame: Installing metal reinforcement plates around the strike plate and latch area can significantly strengthen the door frame. These plates provide extra security and prevent the frame from splitting or cracking under stress.

Addressing Settling Issues: In older homes, settling can cause the door frame to shift over time, leading to persistent misalignment. While you can't stop settling entirely, you can sometimes mitigate its effects by shimming the door frame or adjusting the hinges.

The Impact on Door Security and When to Consult a Professional

A properly aligned and securely fastened strike plate is critical for door security. A misaligned or loose strike plate makes it much easier for an intruder to force the door open.

If you've tried the troubleshooting steps outlined above and are still experiencing problems, or if you suspect more serious structural issues, it's time to call in a professional.

A qualified carpenter or locksmith can assess the situation, identify the underlying cause of the problem, and recommend appropriate solutions.

Attempting repairs beyond your skill level can potentially worsen the situation, costing you more time and money in the long run. They can also provide upgrades to your locking system for added security.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• You're uncomfortable working with tools or making structural repairs.
• The door frame is severely damaged or rotten.
• You suspect the misalignment is due to structural settling.
• You're concerned about the security of your home and want a professional assessment.

By understanding potential problems, implementing effective solutions, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure a secure and smoothly operating door for years to come.

And that's all there is to it! Knowing how to move a door strike plate might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and these simple steps, you'll have that door closing smoothly in no time. Now go forth and conquer those misaligned doors!