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

The door catch is a hook-like part made from either plastic or metal, that is found along your dryer’s door frame. If the door keeps popping open, there is a chance that the catch is damaged and cannot align correctly with the strike to hold the door in place. If you look closely at the catch and see that it is bent out of shape, it’s time to replace it.

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

Open your dryer door and look along its frame. The door catch latches itself to the door strike, a protruding part, when the door is shut. As you begin to close the door, you will find that the catch is supposed to fit into a slot that is located on the body of the dryer.

General Location of the Door Catch

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Door Catch

FIX TIP

The catch may be found on either side of the door. Some dryer models even have multiple catches, if it allows for a reversible door.

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. Pry the catch out of its housing using a flathead screwdriver and applying a small amount of pressure on it.
4. Inspect the catch, looking for signs of deformation.

How to Install a New Door Catch

1. Press the new catch into its slot, ensuring that the line going down the catch is vertical.
2. If your dryer model has a decorative cover that goes on top of the catch, reinstall it.
3. Close the dryer door.
4. Check that the strike-and-catch mechanism works properly. They should click together and the door should not budge once it has been fully closed.

Next: Troubleshooting the Door Strike

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