The door catch on my Hoover New Wave plus 5 washing machine will not engage. I have tried to tighten the two screws that hold the catch in place but they keep on turning and will not tighten - as though perhaps there should be a nut on the other side that has come off.
Can I repair this myself or do I need to contact an engineer?

Pauline, November 2008

The usual reason for the door catch not seating properly or even breaking is the door hinge becoming slack. This can be fixed by drilling out the original rivets on the hinge (from the front with the door open). Have someone hold the door after you remove the inner door ring which has the door catch on it - this prises off after removal of the two door screws.
Use replacement blind rivets that are a tight fit and not too long. I used 6mm long rivets on the last repair. Fit a new inner door ring if necessary.
Hope this helps.

Allan D, July 2009

Replace the interlock assembly.

Spares suppliers:
www.4directelectricals.co.uk
http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk
www.ukapplianceparts.com
http://www.domesticspares.co.uk
http://shop.ezee-fix.co.uk
http://www.espares.co.uk
or simply go into google and type in "washing machine spare parts" - selecting "pages from uk".
If you are familiar with ebay, there are dozens of sellers running washing machine spare parts shops at very competitive prices.

Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy, November 2008

Are you tightening srews on the door or on the catch in the door frame. Has end of prong that is on the door edge and that engagesl with the catch on the door frame sheared off? If so look for spare part on internet.

Bill, November 2008