#Larson #storm door will not latch shut!

by Tyler
(UP Michigan)

Larson storm door lock wont close any further then Z Bar

Larson storm door lock wont close any further then Z Bar

Hello,

I have a Larson storm door that will not latch unless you turn the handle manually to latch it. When the door shuts on its own it just bounces off of the frame and stays open, getting caught in the wind until you go over and turn the handle to latch it.

The latch moves freely when you push it in without sticking. Even if you pull of push the door to try and latch it, it will not latch until you turn the handle.

Hopefully the pictures attached can help show better than I can describe it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks



Since this post was originally made in 2015 there have been a lot of really good suggestions.

I like the idea of using a toothbrush to quickly clean out the latch and the hole to get rid of any dirt that might be making the lock stiff to operate.

Hi Tyler;

Thanks for the pictures.

Since the holes for the latch were punched into the Z Bar at the factory there should not be anything wrong with that. I'm assuming the door worked fine when it was originally installed.

In the last picture where the latch was photographed from the inside the door seems to stick out more at the top than at the bottom. It could be that the frame of the house has settled and thrown the door frame and the storm door out of alignment.

If thats the case you may need to put shims behind the vertical Z-Bars of the storm door so that it is perfectly plumb and in alignment. Sometimes I completely remove the storm door and reinstall it because of settling problems. Maybe you can get away with just shimming the latch side.

Another thing to try is remove the screws that hold the latch side Z Bar on one at a time. Start from the top down on your door. See if the Z bar needs to be screwed in so it sticks out a little further. As you take each screw out, check to see if the door closes properly. Sometimes the Z bar will spring into the right position and make it obvious where it needs to be shimmed.

If you have to make the Z bar stick out more at the top, you will probably have to put shims behind the top rail to make it match the new Z bar position.

Not all door frames are perfectly straight or plumb. Sometimes when you install the storm door there will be gaps because the door frame is leaning in or leaning out by a degree or two. To fix that installers use aluminum back up rails to cover the gaps, or use a matching color of caulk to fill in the voids.

Comments for #Larson #storm door will not latch shut!

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Jul 19, 2024
Rating
starstar 		Door latch doesn't pop out
by: Kevin

Brand new Larson Door. Latch stays in the door and won't come out to latch in the strike plate until I fiddle with it with a screwdriver to release the latch. Very annoying! Please help if you can. Thanks, Kevin
May 12, 2024
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Additional Fix
by: Anonymous

After reviewing comments, I wiped off latch and went 1 step further. I applied a small amount of paste wax to the door frame and the latch. Seems to be working !!
Aug 15, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shocked
by: Anonymous

Toothbrush on the latch 100% worked, still can’t believe it
Mar 21, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Toothbrush worked!
by: Jonathan

Hah, I was about to grab my mallet and bang the latch rail until I read the toothbrush tip. I was highly skeptical but decided to try it out. It worked! The latch now closes every time!
May 29, 2022
Rating
star 		poor service
by: Anonymous

i put in 3 larson storm doors on one the rollup screen came loos on the bottom side the second one will not latch and if we adjust the latch it wont close with out slamming it hard.the only one i can ceep working fine is glass only no screen i have tryed to find vitios on hoh to fix the screen and it looks like they dont want you to repair as ther is no good vidios and no way to contact the company like they dont care if you are satisfide with there product. but do want to put you on there malling list or phone number i hate my purchase and dont want more salls calls!
May 24, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Latch, door won’t close, fix
by: Anonymous

Installed Platinum security screen door, I had the same problem with the latch which prevented the door from closing. Here is how I fixed it. In my situation the latch side rail, Z-bar was the problem. The latch side mounting screws were too tight, starting at the bottom of the door frame on the latch side of the door and working up, I backed the mounting screws out a 1/4", one at.a time and left the screw as is, checked the door for functionality after each screw until the problem was gone. Once the door functions properly tighten the above mentioned screws to snug, do not over tighten. Shim where necessary
May 24, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Latch, door won’t close, fix
by: Anonymous

Installed Platinum security screen door, I had the same problem with the latch which prevented the door from closing. Here is how I fixed it. In my situation the latch side rail, Z-bar was the problem. The latch side mounting screws were too tight, starting at the bottom of the door frame on the latch side of the door and working up, I backed the mounting screws out a 1/4", one at.a time and left the screw as is, checked the door for functionality after each screw until the problem was gone. Once the door functions properly tighten the above mentioned screws to snug, do not over tighten. Shim where necessary
May 16, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning glass on Larson storm door
by: Anonymous

I cleaned the glass on my Larson storm door and all I got was a bunch of streaks on the window which look worse than the dirt. I used window cleaner and microfiber cloth. Can anyone help me?
Dec 28, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fixed
by: Mike

Three solid strikes of rubber mallet on frame fixed the issue. Not the preferred way but much cheaper than a whole new door assembly. Rubber mallet will deform (un-noticeable to the eye) to allow extra leverage to close door. Also, I was able to adjust cylinders to slowly close door rather than a slam.
Nov 13, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same issue plus handle broke off Made in China
by: Anonymous

Larson touts USA made, but not so their doorsets. They are made in Red China and it shows. I had the same problem with it not closing from day one. Plus now just out of warranty, the handle broke off. Inspection of the break shows a manufacturing defect, but Larson doesn’t care.
Oct 06, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Glass/Screen molding
by: Anonymous

The screen molding is very difficult to install. Winter is coming, I don't see the screen swap to the glass being easy. I will report back about that experience.
Oct 06, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not happy with Larson
by: Anonymous

Same problem as everyone else. New installation, existing brick mold.
Seems like latch bolt sticks out too far from edge of door. I think a lip strike would be better than the latch bolt hitting the door frame or z bar. Maybe build some adjustment into the latch bolt. Neighbor bought and Andersen, installed in about 15 minutes from opening the box. Clearly superior.
Jul 26, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		same latch probelem
by: Anonymous

My door is not yet a year old, new construction, everything is square. I have been adjusting closers weekly in an attempt to solve problem...eventually a hammer did the trick. Definite design flaw.
Jun 01, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		New door same issue.
by: Anonymous

Brand b be for same issue. Looks like this is a known problem and Layton doesn't give a crap about it's customers. Going to return this POS for and buy and Anderson.
May 11, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It worked!
by: Anonymous

Thank you to the people on here who suggested taking an old toothbrush, dry, and polishing up the latch. Prior to doing this, the latch would hit the strike plate and sit open. No matter how I adjusted the tension on the closer. Works perfectly!
May 09, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson door not closing properly
by: Karen

I'm very disappointed. I have to slam pull my door shut very hard to close it and then there is still tiny gap at top. It's also tacky that the inside handle and outside do not match. Very dissatisfied.
Apr 25, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Latch
by: Eddie B

Larson storm door will not latch closed. Read all comments and same thing here. Latch looking like sticking out to far hitting frame rail. Fixed it real easy took rubber mallet to frame where latch was hitting, moved it a little bit and now it closes. Hope this helps you.
Nov 19, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Latch Issue
by: Anonymous

I was having the same latching problem and read in comments to clean latch. I used a cheap toothbrush (dry), brushed around and inside latch hole. WORKS LIKE NEW NOW! Thamks!
Nov 01, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Half the latch spring had worked into deeper recess
by: No Shade

After years of use my Larson storm door had stopped latching shut. I could tell the catch piece was no longer springing out far enough to catch on the wall plate. I removed the handles and entire latching mechanism from the door to examine it more closely. I noticed half the spring had worked its way into a deeper recess. I had to twist it repeatedly until I worked it all out. With the entirety of the spring now able to function the latching piece springs out fully and protrudes far enough to catch on the wall plate again. Problem solved though it will probably eventually happen again.
Sep 19, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Someone please help
by: William

EXACT same problem. Door doesn’t close properly when the interior door is closed....Aaaasrrrgggghhh. Help please.

I spent $500 on these two doors!
Sep 13, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clean the latch/lock
by: Anonymous

I second the few folks here suggesting cleaning the latch/lock mechanism. If if doesn’t seem dirty, that is what fixed the issue for me.
Aug 11, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		latching problem
by: Anonymous

I have a same problem...new door the won't latch.
The closer either holds the door open or does not pull the door closed. The adjustment cylinder screw is worthless. Poor design...$250 wasted..
Aug 03, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You must bend the latch plate that comes with the handle.
by: Anonymous

The latch plate that came with our handle kit (specified for the Larson storm door we bought) stuck out a tiny bit past the latch rail (that came with the door). The door installation directions specify to align the side rails with the ends of the top drip channel. This makes for a very tight tolerance when closing. I had to really bend and manipulate the latch plate in order to get the door to clear and close. In my opinion, this is a bad design. The gap on the latch side should be a big larger to compensate.
Jul 17, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Door handle that sucks
by: Anonymous

I have Larson mid view door and lock doesn’t close properly it doesn’t clear frame ! It worked for 2 days so i adjusted pumps and still sticks , I’m pissed i bought it for 250$ and doesn’t close unless i turn the handle !!!!
Jul 12, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		similar issues with not latching
by: Anonymous

I have had a security door for about 1 month. Installation was fine but the security lock wouldn't lock!! After 2.5 days of work, the installer verified that the entire locking mechanism was defective. This was after I tried calling the 800 numbers for the dealer and then Larsen with the automated response from Larsen that they aren't taking calls because of Covid! Installer went to hardware store and they called Larsen to report issue and I was sent a complete new locking mechanism. I had the same issue with the door not latching from day one. The installer said that he sees this issue often due to the air pressure build-up that other comments have referenced. My door would initially latch if I made certain to open it a bit wider than usual, but it now is making a snapping noise and doesn't latch at all. So, back to figuring out the problem and I am going to make every effort to get the problem corrected by Larsen! I paid way too much to have issues such as this. Thank you.
Jun 26, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Similar problem with Andersen
by: Anonymous

On my Andersen door, the handles are heavy, so if they are in the horizontal "resting" position, they pull down a little and cause the latch to retract. It then won't latch. If I pull up on the handle with the door closed, it's enough to latch the door. It seems to me that either the spring is failing or there should be some other component that would prevent the handle sag. Temporarily, I simply turned the exterior handle so that it hangs down instead of being horizontal; this corrects the problem, but just looks weird. No answer found on the Andersen site, and this door is 13 years old, so no warranty.
Jun 22, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		latches
by: Anonymous

I hav e to adjust the a\latches ev ery day . I wish I had never bought door this door.
May 27, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Potential Fix That May Help Others
by: Anonymous

Had same problem as others in that the latch would not shut. I put a small washer behind a shim on top side and another behind a shim on bottom side. This allowed the latch to function properly.
May 15, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem!!
by: Annette

Contacted the installer and they made an adjustment. Worked 2 days and not latching again!!!
May 04, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Worked!
by: Anonymous

Cleaned the back plate and worked like a charm!
Apr 08, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same latch problem
by: Eric

Following... I have the same problem with my door.
Jan 26, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cleaning the latch worked for me
by: Anonymous

Thank you to an earlier post that suggested cleaning the metal backside of the latch. This worked wonders for me.
Dec 30, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clean the flat side of the latch
by: Anonymous

I found this thread in a search, as I was having the same problem. In reading everything, nothing seemed to help. I took a closer look at what was hanging up. After trying many things, the one thing that FIXED it, was cleaning the metal backside of the latch the is pushed in when the door shuts. Do not add any lubricant, just dry clean and polish the metal backside of the latch. Get any dirt or grit out of the area. Once this is polished and clean, it shuts like new.

Hope this helps someone.
Aug 25, 2019
Rating
star 		Is this the way you stand behind your products?
by: R Cole

Any one ever get an answer on the door handle and latch problem yet?? Seams as though Larson sells their products but doesn't want to stand behind them. 2 mos old on mine and it stuck closed on me for 3 days before i finally got it opened. Ok LARSON, whats the deal?
May 23, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Drooping Storm door handle
by: Anonymous

This is a typical lock-latch assembly.
My handle droops, and at times the door won't close completely. Below is link that explains the repair very well
----------------------------------

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Sagging-Emtek-Door-Handle
May 21, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Problem with latching mechanism
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem as the people here. If Larson is aware of a potential problem with "settling" of a house, why isn't more leeway built into the latching mechanism? I just remodeled my house and the door is less than a year old... should not have this problem. The door prior to this Larson door lasted over 10 years without an issue like this.
Apr 24, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Larsons Elegance security door won't open
by: Anonymous

Cannot get the door back open. Any suggestions. Cannot get in or out.
Feb 03, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Same here
by: Anonymous

Same door. Junk latch. Frustrating
Nov 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem here!
by: Anonymous

Same problem here. Looks like the same exact door I have. Mine is about 4-5 years old, though. Worked fine until recently. Though, the positive pressure mentioned by someone has always been an issue. But now it's as if the latch is protruding out just a little too far. Even with the curvature of the latch, it hits the vertical frame piece and stops (unless very hard slam). If I depress the latch with my finger from the outside just a tad, it slips right in and the door will close and latch just fine. Is there a way to adjust how much the latch sticks out? Everything looks plumb and true, screws are all tight.
Nov 11, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson storm door will not shut completely on it's own
by: Missouri consumer

I'm having the same problem and my door was just installed yesterday. I know I've spent too much money to now have this issue. Was hoping it was just a defective lock, however it seems to be a known issue that Larson needs to address
Sep 19, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson security door won't latch
by: Tvhj

We have a similar problem, Larson security door closes but won't latch unless yo lift up on the handle. The latch spring has become weak as if I take the handles off it works fine. Currently waiting on Larsons response but feel sure at a couple years old it will be my problem. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Jun 06, 2018
Rating
starstarstar 		Larson Door
by: Anonymous

My Larson door was recently installed and it will not latch without manually pushing it shut. I called Larson and was I was told that unless I leave the window open on the door I would have to close the door manually. Do other companies sell doors that actually close themselves?
May 17, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Exactly what I needed!
by: Nancy in Minnesota

Wow, we have the exact same door with the exact same problem! Gets a little worse every year. Used to be a problem one season and not the next. But now it's always doing it. Now we know what to try to fix it, thanks!
Feb 25, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Larson Storm Doors won’t close comletly
by: Tommy D

I have delt with the same problem with more than one Storm door. The problem is only when leaving the house. When entering there is no positive pressure or, the screen is open, the door slams shut. When you leave the house and the interior door is closed, that’s when the problem occurs. The Storm door slams almost all the way, but won’t latch because there’s no where for the trapped air between the doors to go which causes the storm door to not latch. I am not exactl sure how to fix this problem as you want both doors to have a good seal. As I see it there should be a one way vent to allow air to escape, but then close immediately. I have a few things that might work. I will post back and let you know how they work.
Nov 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Worn spring?
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. I think the handles are too heavy and compress the latch spring way to much. There is not enough purchase on the mortise to stay closed. I’m going to try adding a heavier spring .

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