"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:06:08 -0700 (PDT), Paul
wrote:

On Jul 29, 5:20 pm, Oren wrote:
On Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:30:45 -0500, dpb wrote:
Oren wrote:
...
Is the latch sticking, and not extending all the way out? :-))

Possible, perhaps, but seems unlikely given the description of as much
as half-inch of clearance on the strike side between door and jamb...

I'll speculate; it's a jamb problem.

OP, where are YOU?

The latch is not sticking and it is extending all the way out.

Sorry I don't know my stop from my jamb ; )

There's about 1/4 inch or so between the edge of the door and the door
jamb.

When we close the bedroom door, you have to push it firmly so the
latch gets into the strike. So we're pushing it against the door stop
which isn't budging (and rightfully so). Since only about 1/8 inch or
so of the latch is in the strike (due to the space between door and
jamb), the doorstop forces the door open and the latch is easily
budged out of the strike.

The door is nice and snug against the jamb where the hinges are, no
space there between door and jamb.

It seems like the door needs to move closer to the strike. So I guess
like David said, I need to shim the hinges away from the jamb.

That's a good call. Put a level on the latch side edge of the door and
check for plumb. Which hinge (s) need a shim? Dense cardboard makes
for a good shim.

Try this first. take off the strike plate from the jamb and shut the door
how does it close now?
if you have a 1/4 inch gap on the latch side your door will still work . I
just noticed today that I have a door in my office that will shut but the
latch isn't centered on the strike so it takes just a slight push on the
door and it opens.
I need to chisel out 1/4 inch of wood below the strike and lower it and it
will work again. you may need to move the strike away from the stop. You
problem may just be that the latch isn't engaging with the strike plate