How To Fix A Door Handle That Won T Open

To fix the door knob figure out where the connections have gone awry.

How to fix a door handle that won t open.

Unscrew the doorknob from the door. If the latch won t retract the problem is with the spring or the latch housing. Place flat head screwdriver in the gap you removed the spindle from. If the latch retracts then the problem is the connection between the doorknob and the spindle.

If the door does not allow the lock to be jimmied open it may be necessary to remove the door from its hinges. Insert a long sturdy item with a flat tip preferably a flat head screwdriver if available between the top rung of the door s top hinge and the head of the bolt securing the door to the hinge. Take knob handle off the door. Here are the general steps to remove the handle and lock from the door and test the retraction mechanism.

If the bolt moves but not enough to allow the door to open the mechanism probably needs lubrication. Use a spatula or putty knife to get a little space between the door and the frame then use a combination of wiggling and brute force to get the door open. Take the handles knobs off of the door. Look for the set screw on neck of the knob between the handle and door.

It may be on the. Don t try to kick or smash it open because this could damage the door and injure you. Take the door off the hinges. Remove the handles including the thru spindle.

Use a tool a flathead screwdriver will work to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into.