My bathroom door isn't latching properly and it seems that the strike plate is not seated properly in the jamb. It's a 1950s apartment and all the door frames are metal, so I can't just chip away some wood. What else can I try?
Doors – How to adjust strike plate in a metal door jamb
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One of the adjustment screws is for the swing speed, and one is for the latch speed. It sounds like the latch speed is too high.
Adjust the latch speed until the door is just moving fast enough that it closes. You'll also want to be sure to test it by opening the door the minimum amount someone would open it.
If it doesn't shut if you slow it down at all, it may be the door arm is installed incorrectly.
If it doesn't really slow down when you adjust it, then it could be the closer is broken (lost fluid or broken valve seal) and easiest thing to do is replace the entire closer.
The two primary factors are latch operation and weather sealing (where applicable). 1/4" (6mm) is getting fairly large, but still within what I'd consider acceptable. It's hard to say without seeing it all in action.
Much more than that and I'd take your approach of shimming the hinges, but use some nylon or other non-biodegradable material in the case of an exterior door.
You could also surface-mount the strike plate, but this does look a bit less professional.
A less significant factor is the appearance of a large gap. Generally, as long as the gaps are individually uniform (parallel), they can be what they are. Varying gaps are what look sloppy.
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Best Answer
The strike plate sticks out from the jamb? Remove the strike plate and file/grind some material off where it is binding.