Do you have a doorknob that turns but won’t open properly? While this problem with your doorknob may puzzle you, there are various reasons why it may happen. Fortunately, we have the experience to guide you through the repair process.
This problem usually means that your doorknob’s components are jammed or stuck. These doorknob malfunctions are often caused by the doorknob’s age or incorrect installation by the owner.
Many people deal with doorknob issues like this every day. Since your door knob suffers wear and tear each time you use it. Keep reading further to learn how to fix a doorknob that turns but won’t open.
Contents
Understanding the Problem
Before you can fix the problem, you first need to understand the inner workings of a doorknob. The typical doorknob on a house door has a spring-loaded latch which pulls back when someone turns the knob.
A spring component within the locking mechanism provides resistance as you turn it. When the doorknob remains idle, the spring stays extended to keep the latch bolt secured inside the hole on the side of the door frame.
When you twist the doorknob, the force power compresses the spring and retracts the latch. That is how the latch is removed from the bore when you rotate the doorknob and allows you to access a room.
Now that you understand the primary function of a doorknob, let us examine why it may not open when you turn it. Usually, the problem is the doorknob not connecting to the spring and latch correctly.
The internal component responsible for establishing the connection is called a spindle. The spindle is a narrow round rod connecting the door knob to the latch and spring. When you rotate the doorknob, the force turns the spindle to pull back the latch bolt.
Inspecting the Problem
Conduct an internal inspection of the doorknob. An inspection will determine if the faulty component is the spindle of the door knob or some other minor part in the latch housing.
Here are the basic steps for conducting an internal assessment of a doorknob problem:
- Step 1: Remove the door knob from the door. Most home interior doors have screws attaching their door knobs. So, use a standard Philips-head screwdriver to remove the screws and take out the doorknob.
- Step 2: Locate and remove the spindle rod component from the doorknob.
- Step 3: Stick a flathead screwdriver or the end of another narrow tool into the gap where the spindle was removed. Twist the flathead screwdriver to see if it retracts the latch. If it does, it means the doorknob and spindle have a weak connection.
- Step 4: Check the spindle for signs of wear and tear damage. If you don’t see damage on the spindle, check for damage on the other parts, including the doorknob itself. Once you find a damaged part, you should replace it immediately.
Did the latch fail to retract when you twisted the screwdriver? If so, check the latch housing to see if a tiny component like the spring is causing the problem. For people who can’t identify the problem, it may be better to replace the doorknob.
Fixing the Problem
Follow the steps outlined above to figure out the potential problem. The chances are that you’ll have to replace something, whether it be an internal component or the entire doorknob.
You may find it easier to replace the entire doorknob instead of replacing a minor component. However, a cheaper and simpler solution may exist if you understand how to resolve common door knob problems like these.
Here is a review of all the possible solutions for getting a doorknob to open again:
- Replacing the Spindle
- Replacing the Spring
- Replacing the Latch Housing
- Replacing the Entire Doorknob
- Cleaning the Lock
Don’t forget to clean the door lock mechanism periodically. Cleaning helps reduce wear and tear on the internal components by removing any potential corrosion that may have accumulated on them.
You can find a high-quality lubrication or degreasing solution at any hardware or home improvement store. In a previous article, we covered the best lock lubricant options on the market.
Contact a Professional Locksmith
Are you still dealing with a doorknob that turns but won’t open? If so, a professional locksmith can resolve your doorknob issues quickly. Without the proper knowledge, it may take you hours to discover the issues with your doorknob.
You may have a situation where your door knob lock or one of its internal components needs replacement because it is too worn out. When that happens, only a professional locksmith is qualified to remove the old doorknob and replace it with a new one.
Replacing your doorknob lock will help ensure you don’t have any more problems with your doorknob for at least a few years or more. Otherwise, you could end up dealing with the same problem again after you fix it.
You may feel like a “do-it-yourself” kind of person, but it is not always easy to maintain doorknobs without the necessary experience. Plus, some people are not mechanically inclined enough to resolve doorknob problems.
Professional locksmiths possess the required training and experience to resolve all doorknob problems. They can diagnose and fix a door knob problem quickly by relying on their expertise and inventory of tools and replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Open a Jammed Doorknob?
To open a jammed doorknob, first, assess if the issue is due to a misaligned latch or a faulty locking mechanism. Use a flathead screwdriver or bank card to gently pry the latch away while turning the knob. If unsuccessful, consider removing the doorknob or seeking professional help for a more thorough inspection and repair.
Why is My Door Handle Spinning?
A spinning door handle typically indicates a broken spindle within the knob. Check for a loose set screw or a worn-out connecting mechanism. If the issue persists, disassemble the handle to inspect internal components. Replacement of damaged parts or the entire handle may be necessary for an effective solution.
Why is my Door Handle Latch Not Springing Back?
A door handle latch not springing back may be due to a worn-out or damaged spring inside the latch mechanism. Inspect and lubricate the latch, but if the problem persists, replacement of the latch assembly might be needed for better functionality and security.
Conclusion
When you have a doorknob that turns but won’t open, you may be at a loss for the causes. Hopefully, this article will provide the necessary information to solve it. We find that the most common cause is an old spindle.
If you have any questions about fixing your doorknob, let us know in the comments!