Door And Window Ball Latch Replacement

ID: 220252

Description: If your pantry door will not stay closed, the...

Steps:

1. Inspect the top edge of the pantry door.
2. Common signs of a failed ball latch include: Door will not stay closed, Ball is missing, Ball retracts too far into the housing, Strike plate is damaged or loose
3. In this example, the ball is missing from the spring.

4. If the ball is still installed, remove it first.
5. Insert the tip of a pair of tweezers into one of the notches on the retaining spring.
6. Turn the spring counterclockwise to loosen it.
7. Remove the spring from the door opening.

8. Pull up on the retaining ring.
9. If the ring is stuck, place a metal spudger under the edge of the ring and gently pry it upward.
10. Remove the retaining ring completely so the hole in the door is empty.
11. Discard the old ball latch assembly.

12. Insert the tip of a pair of tweezers or a metal spudger into one of the adjustment notches around the new ball latch.
13. Turn the adjustment ring clockwise to raise the ball.
14. Turn the adjustment ring counterclockwise to lower the ball.
15. Adjust the ball so it extends slightly beyond the surface of the retaining ring.

16. Test the fit of the replacement ball latch by pressing it into the hole by hand.
17. Insert the new ball latch into the opening at the top of the door.
18. Press down firmly until the faceplate sits flush against the surface of the door.

19. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the strike plate to the door frame.
20. Remove the strike plate from the frame.
21. Discard the old strike plate.

22. Position the new strike plate on the door frame and align it with the ball latch.
23. Install the screws and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver.
24. When the door is closed, the ball should sit slightly above the gap between the door and strike plate, connecting the door and strike plate.

25. Close the door and check that it latches securely.
26. If the door does not latch properly, adjust the ball height by repeating Step 4 until the door closes and latches smoothly.