How To Fix A Door Handle That Won T Open

If the bolt moves but not enough to allow the door to open the mechanism probably needs lubrication.

How to fix a door handle that won t open.

You can try bracing one foot against the frame and pulling hard. If the latch retracts then the problem is the connection between the doorknob and the spindle. To fix the door knob figure out where the connections have gone awry. Slide a flathead screwdriver into the hole in the latch and twist it.

Remove the handles including the thru spindle. If the latch won t retract the problem is with the spring or the latch housing. Use a tool a flathead screwdriver will work to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into. Look for the set screw on neck of the knob between the handle and door.

Take the door off the 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. Place flat head screwdriver in the gap you removed the spindle from. If the door does not allow the lock to be jimmied open it may be necessary to remove the door from its hinges.

Take the handles knobs off of the door. 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. Unscrew the doorknob from the door. 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.