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Hi folks,
I am having some trouble removing a door latch. What the problem is, is that the one screw that is installed had to be drilled through but the head snapped off when extracting it so I am now left with (see image) and on-top of that the other fitting securing the latch seems to be an Allen key fitting but I might be wrong. Any advice to remove these would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
T.
Hi @JacobZ
Update on the strike plate install, it was a botched job, not due to advice just due to inexperienced and damaged wood. I managed to screw in the top screw but not the bottom.
I just want to know is it possible to replace part of a door jamb where the strike plate rests?
I know it looks relatively fine but not happy with my work.
Any advice would greatly appreciated.
Regards,
T.
Hello @TJP
Yes, you can replace part of the door jamb if you want to create a new cut out for the striker plate. However, it is also possible to repair the cut that has already been applied to the area. If you wish to fill in the screw holes, I suggest using Selleys 320g Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive in combination with Taskmaster 10 x 38mm Timber Dowel Connectors. Please note that you might need to trim the dowels so that they fit into the screw holes.
Another option is to use Turbo 175ml Builders Bog Flexipack to fill in the screw holes and any other damaged section the timber might have. Once the bog cures you can drill into it like it was timber.
The last option will be to cut a section of the door frame out and replace it with a similarly sized timber piece. It will need to be glued and screwed so that it will be properly anchored to the existing door frame.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you have any other question we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @TJP
Having a read through all the steps you have taken and what the crew have suggested you are definently on the right path 
Even now where I have worked on several plates I still get nervous for that "clean" look when finished.
The Builders Bog that @EricL has mentioned works a dream, I have used it before. Follow the instructions exactly.
I would remove the plate, (I can kinda see that top screw? and it looks like a new screw would go past it if the shaft is deep enough)
Clean up the area under the plate. It looks like its sitting a little high which could mean either a bit of built up paint, new plate is a bit larger. I would use a timber chisel and chip/cut out the plates width and height so the plate sits flush easily.
That other screw, can any of it be seen without the plate? If the metal is below the timber surface I would actually fill that hole with builders bog, let dry and then drill it for a new screw (the new screw will be countersunk so the old metal needs to be not touching the plate)
Try the plate with the new screws, if it looks good then remove and paint and refix Yeah I know its a pain but painting under the plate looks much better then around the plate. One last question, does the deadbolt fit the hole in the plate as its fixed now?
Dave
Hi @TJP
I propose trying to get the broken drill bit out by drilling a larger hole beside it. This will allow you to insert a small flat head screwdriver and lever the broken bit out.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
