How to Fix a Door Strike for a Dryer With a Door That Pops Open

The door strike helps to keep your dryer’s door shut while the dryer is in operation. When you close the door, it works in conjunction with the door catch to hold the door in place. However, it can get warped over time, so that it is no longer a perfect fit for the door catch. If your dryer door is prone to popping open, it could be because the strike has become loose.

What is the Door Strike? Where Do I Find It?

The door strike is a plastic or metal part mounted on the body of the dryer. When you close the dryer’s door, the door catch hooks onto the strike and locks the lid while the dryer runs. It activates the door switch when it does this.

General Location of the Door Strike

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Door Strike

1. As with all repairs, begin by unplugging your dryer. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect the gas lines.
2. Open the dryer door completely.
3. Locate the door strike and, with a pair of pliers, clamp onto the exposed part of the strike.
4. Remove the strike by squeezing the pliers and pulling the strike out of its slot.
5. Inspect the strike’s body for cracks.

How to Install a New Door Strike

FIX TIP

If your strike has a mount where a screw can go through, it will not snap into position when you insert it into your dryer. You would need to secure it in place with a screw.

1. Snap the new strike into place. Alternatively, you may need to tighten the strike into the dryer frame using a screw.
2. Close the dryer door.
3. Check that the strike-and-catch mechanism locks properly. Once the door has latched, pull on the door handle gently to see if it easily pops open.

Next: Troubleshooting the Door Catch

Go To Main Page: Door Pops Open