How to fix a stuck doorknob: a simple step-by-step guide (2023)

They aredoor handles insideThey are essential to the design and functionality of your home. However, they can pose a security risk and other similar problems if they get corrupted.

The failure of internal components within adoorknobOpening the door and gaining access to that particular room in your house will be a challenge. A stuck doorknob can cause a range of problems from being stuck in a room to being able to get out.

Doorknobs can stick for a variety of reasons. Factors such as temperature, humidity, wear and tear, a broken lock or latch can cause your door knob to bind or break. However, temperature-related problems will resolve themselves once conditions change.

However, under certain circumstances you may need to replace the door knob.

To find out if your door knob needs replacing before calling a locksmith, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Give her a wiggle.

Sometimes a simple tap of a doorknob can free the stuck area, especially if it's a simple problem with a small component. However, be careful not to use too much force or force the handle to move as this may break the doorknob further.

While this is a quick fix, it may not be a long-term option if the problem is the latch not retracting or expanding into the door frame.

Step 2: Try lube.

Spray a lubricant such as WD-40 or a similar dry lubricant on the top of the mechanism. Twist the handle to work it into the components.

You should look closely at both sides of the mechanism for signs of rust as this could be where the problem lies.

If there is any sign of rust, use a wire brush to remove it and then spray with lube to keep it working properly.

If the problem persists, any other small component on the inside of the doorknob could be the source of the problem.

Step 3: Check the latch.

If the above steps don't work for you, you need to check them outpipe closureas it may need to be repaired.

For doors that do not need to be locked, a pipe latch is installed with the interior door handles. The room is still secure as the bolts hold the door in place, but the door does not lock.

Rotating the handle pulls the latch back toward the door as the thru-axle rotates. If the handle pulls the deadbolt back to the back of the deadbolt body and the doorknob does not rotate, there is a chance the deadbolt will catch on something.

A stuck doorknob may benefit from some lubrication, or it could be binding against the striker plate in the jamb.

Before you begin troubleshooting, first test the door latch to determine if the latch is stuck in the door or does not fit properly in the striker plate. Follow these steps to test your lock:

1. Turn the doorknob to open the door
2. Slowly release the button
3. Release the button and hold the locking tab with your fingers.
4. Gently pull the tab
5. If the latch doesn't move when fully deployed, your problem is with the striker plate.
6. If the trap moves, the trap is stuck in the door

To attempt to repair a door latch that is stuck in a door, use a flathead or Phillips screwdriver to pry the latch out.

Open the door and hold it in the open position with adoor wedge.

Next, place the screwdriver on top of the latch and gently tap the latch with a hammer to dislodge any obstructions. Repeat this process on the underside of the latch.

At this point, you should check to see if the strike plate located on the door frame is misaligned, as this can prevent the door from closing properly.

Test your tubular latch and turn the doorknob to begin retracting the latch. As soon as you turn the knob, the latch slides to the inside of the door.

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Step 4: Check the door lock (optional).

Not all doors require a lock, and most interior door handles have a deadbolt instead of a lock. However, if you have a door lock that comes with the door knob for doors you want to keep closed.

If you followed the steps above and still haven't found a solution, your door lock could be the problem. When you turn a door handle, the door handle retracts the latch bolts on the door, allowing you to unlock the door.

A door's locking mechanism is complex, complicated and prone to jamming. In winter weather, locks can become stiff and difficult to operate, while moisture can rust and cause the lock to bind and the door to not latch.

Just like a door latch, stuck and jammed locks can be a simple problem that can be fixed once you identify the problem.

check your key

If you have a stuck lock, the first thing you should do is check your door keys.

Look for cracks or burrs that indicate a broken key. You should also examine the inside of the keyhole to look for any debris stuck in the lock if you have a broken key.

If this is the case, you can use a key extractor to remove the broken pieces. A key puller removes the broken parts of the key from the lock.

try some lube

If you have a stuck door lock, spray lubricant into the keyhole. This will loosen dirt or debris in the stuck lock and prevent the key from turning.

Insert the key and turn it several times to work in the lubricant and loosen the stuck part.

Check alignment

If the jammed door lock components are misaligned, the locking mechanism will not function properly.

Note the alignment of the lock with the strike plate in the door jamb. If the two components are misaligned, you may need to support the door in an open position, remove and reinstall the striker plate.

Replace lock

Don't let stuck or deadlocked locks get in your way. If you find that your door lock is stuck beyond repair, you will need to get a replacement.

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Step 5: Remove the doorknob.

If none of the above steps worked for you, you may have to completely disassemble the door knob to find the problem.

1. Remove the screws from the doorknob and set them aside.
2. Remove the doorknob by pulling it off the shaft with a sliding motion, then remove it.
   1. Be sure to save the fixings such as the screws and the spindle.
3. Look at the doorknob. Anything unusual could cause the error, such as B. a hernia or blockage.
4. Use narrow pliers, such as B. needle nose pliers to remove blockages.
5. If your doorknob has a spring mechanism, look for loose springs.
6. If you are unsure whether your door knob is spring-loaded or not, read our article"What is the difference between sprung and non-sprung door handles?".
7. Reattach the doorknob to the door and replace the loose screws in their appropriate hole.
8. Tighten screws.
9. Then try to operate it to check if it works properly.
10. If that doesn't work or you can't fix the doorknob, you'll need to replace the handle.

Is it time for a new doorknob?

If all of the above steps don't work for you or you find a crack in the door handle assembly, it's time to replace it.

We havea huge collection of doorknobsfrom here to choose fromHiatt-Hardwareand we can guarantee you will find something that is perfect. But don't doubt it. Broken door handles pose a security risk to your home.

How to install new door handles, see our article"What is a mortise lock and how is it installed?"for a detailed step-by-step guide.

If you need help finding the right door knob or have any questions, don't worry, our teams are here to help. Feel free to contact us.

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