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Introduction

A sliding bolt latch is a simple yet essential locking mechanism for doors, gates, and cabinets. Over time, it can become loose, misaligned, or stuck due to wear and tear. It can also break, completely losing the purpose of a sliding latch. This guide will walk you through the steps to replace the sliding metal bar of the latch, ensuring it functions smoothly and securely using simple tools you can find at your home.

What you need

Step 1 Sliding Metal Bolt

Door Latch Sliding Metal Bolt Replacement, Sliding Metal Bolt: step 1, image 1 of 2

Door Latch Sliding Metal Bolt Replacement, Sliding Metal Bolt: step 1, image 2 of 2

Using the screwdriver, remove all the screws from the latch.
Remove the latch from its position.

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Step 2

Check for a reinforcement metal strip.
If your latch does not have a metal strip at the back, then you may skip this and proceed to the following step.
If your latch does have the metal reinforcement strip, use pliers to tilt the strip to allow the metal bar to slide out. Apply minimal force to avoid breaking/tearing the metal strip.
Tearing the reinforcement strip might hinder your entire replacement and could lead you to replace the latch with a newly bought one.

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Step 3

Remove the sliding metal bar and replace it with another one.
The removal will be tricky depending on a variety of latch sizes. If the bar does not come out easily, try tilting in different angles and directions to smoothly pull the sliding bar out.

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Step 4

Once the newly replaced sliding bar is installed successfully, bend the reinforcement metal strip back to its original shape using as minimal force as possible to avoid breaking the strip.
Tearing the reinforcement strip might hinder your entire replacement and could lead you to replace the latch with a newly bought one.

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Step 5

Door Latch Sliding Metal Bolt Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Reposition the latch back to its original location and ensure that it is accurately placed. Take as much time as needed to make it accurate.
Reattach the screws back to the latch.
When screwing, insert each screw into the latch but do not fully tighten them until every screw is inserted.
Tilt the latch slightly and try to keep it in line with its front plate piece.