How To Fix A Door Handle That Won T Open

If the door does not allow the lock to be jimmied open it may be necessary to remove the door from its hinges.

How to fix a door handle that won t open.

If the latch won t retract the problem is with the spring or the latch housing. 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. Here are the general steps to remove the handle and lock from the door and test the retraction mechanism.

Remove the handles including the thru spindle. It may be on the. Look for the set screw on neck of the knob between the handle and door. Don t try to kick or smash it open because this could damage the door and injure you.

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. Remove the thru spindle. To fix the door knob figure out where the connections have gone awry. You can try bracing one foot against the frame and pulling hard.

Use a tool a flathead screwdriver will work to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into. Slide a flathead screwdriver into the hole in the latch and twist it. Place flat head screwdriver in the gap you removed the spindle from. 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.