Use a tool a flathead screwdriver will work to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into.
How do you fix a door handle that won t lock.
Remove the handles including the thru spindle.
If it won t lock open the door.
Tap the end of a chisel under the door stop on the striker side of the jamb.
It will come in two pieces.
Letting the components sit fully submerged in a vinegar of about 5 acidity will do the job of separating the gunk from your metal.
15 to 30 minutes this video will guide you through the process of repairing replacing or tightening your door handles at your home.
You can do this by using the phillips head screw driver to unscrew both screws on the door handle.
Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door.
The long screw will grab the wall framing and draw in the whole doorjamb slightly.
If that doesn t solve the problem try this trick.
Pry up on it until it comes loose and remove it.
These screws generally run all the way through the door and secure to the lockset mounting plate on the opposite side.
Remove the two screws one on either side of the handle and remove the knob.
Use the chisel to remove the door stop.
Leave the striker bolt in place.
Take the handles knobs off of the door.
Lubricate the inside of the mechanism if the lock still does not function.
The fix in instances with a door latch stuck because it is jammed by rust and other materials it is always best to disassemble the lock and do a bit of cleaning.
Once you have the door handle off you can now try to open the latch manually with either a large flathead screwdriver or pair of needle nose pliers.
To fix the door knob figure out where the connections have gone awry.
If you find that the latch contacts the strike plate too high or too low make sure all the door s hinge screws are tight.
Tighten the long screws that secure the lockset s mounting ring to the door.
Remove one of the screws on the jamb side of the hinge and drive in a 3 in.