How To Fix A Door Handle That Won T Open

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

How to fix a door handle that won t open.

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. Slide a flathead screwdriver into the hole in the latch and twist it. It may be on the. Here are the general steps to remove the handle and lock from the door and test the retraction mechanism.

Place flat head screwdriver in the gap you removed the spindle from. You can try bracing one foot against the frame and pulling hard. Don t try to kick or smash it open because this could damage the door and injure you. If the door does not allow the lock to be jimmied open it may be necessary to remove the door from its hinges.

If the latch won t retract the problem is with the spring or the latch housing. Look for the set screw on neck of the knob between the handle and door. To fix the door knob figure out where the connections have gone awry. Take knob handle off the door.

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. If the latch retracts then the problem is the connection between the doorknob and the spindle. Take the door off the hinges. Take the handles knobs off of the door.

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