Irregular maintenance of your security measures can become detrimental to the security of your house or business. Incidents like a stuck door latch can delay what you want to do, especially in emergencies. That is why it’s essential to get them back up and running as soon as possible.
When you are facing a door latch that keeps getting stuck, there are several common causes and effective fixes for them.
Read on below how to fix a stuck door latch in simple and easy steps.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step to Fix a Stuck Door Latch
The fix for a stuck door latch can vary depending on what is causing your door latch to stick. Here are some of the causes why you have a stuck door latch and how to fix a door latch that sticks:
| Issues | Fixes |
| Screws/fixings are too tight | Loosen the latch screws so the handle turns back to its horizontal position |
| Broken/low-quality door latch | Replace the broken one with a new compatible one |
| Grinding and seizing handles | Lubricate the handle springs |
| Misaligned levers lead to skewed spindles | Check and realign the handle |
Issue 1: Latch gets caught in the strike plate or misaligned levers
A misaligned door latch can cause your latch to get stuck inside the assembly and will not spring back to its original position. If it won’t retract completely, it can be fixed by repositioning the assembly and the latch.
What you need:
- A screwdriver
Step 1: Put the door in an open position.
This will help you work on the door knob and the latch easily and freely without obstruction.
Step 2: Locate the screws of the door knob.
If you have a knob with exposed screws, you can usually find the screws on the side of the knob. If you have a knob with hidden screws, the screws can be found on the knob cover.
Step 3: Loosen the screws of the door knob.
Get a screwdriver that can accommodate the type of screw that you have. Do not completely remove the screws, but only loosen them.
Step 4: Rotate the door knob assembly
You will notice that the latch will move up and down as you rotate the door knob assembly clockwise or counterclockwise.
Rotate the door knob assembly until the latch is perfectly positioned towards the strike plate to unjam the latch.
Note: make sure to hold the door knob assembly in place so the latch will not move, as the screwing might make movements on your assembly.
Step 5: Fasten the screws on your door knob.
Make sure the screws are tightly fastened. This will disable the latch from moving, preventing it from getting caught by the strike plate.
Step 6: Test out your door knob.
Rotate both your inside and outside door knobs and make sure that it doesn’t stick anymore. The latch should freely extend and retract when closing and opening the door.
Issue 2: Door latch is broken inside the assembly
Years of use can wear out the latch assembly in the door frame. This means that it can no longer be of use and needs to be replaced to avoid having your door lock jammed from inside.
What you need:
- WD-40
- A screwdriver
- A new compatible door latch
Step 1: Locate the screws on both the exterior and interior door knobs.
If you have a knob with exposed screws, you can usually find the screws on the side of the knob. If you have a knob with hidden screws, the screws can be found on the knob cover.
Step 2: Remove the door knob assembly from the door.
Carefully pull out the interior door knob from the door. Do the same with the exterior door knob as it will carry the latch of your door knob.
Step 3: Remove the broken door latch from the assembly.
Do this by sliding the latch from the rod to remove it from the assembly.
While you’re at it, apply WD-40 to the moving parts of your door knob so that it won’t get too much friction that will damage the parts of your door knob assembly.
Step 4: Install the door latch to the door.
Before you put the exterior and interior door knobs back, install the new door latch to the door by sliding it through the latch hole. Make sure that the curved face of the latch is against the striker plate.
Step 5: Install both the exterior and interior door knobs.
The rod of the exterior door knob should pass through the hole of the door latch in order for it to twist. Make sure that the latch doesn’t fall out of position while you tighten the screws of the door knob to prevent exterior door latch stick.
Step 6: Test out your door latch.
Rotate both your exterior and interior door knobs and make sure that it doesn’t stick anymore. Unless the knob is turned forcefully, the latch should freely extend and retract without getting stuck in a locked position.
Issue 3: Grinding and seizing handles
One of the most common lubricants used to make sure the door latch is no longer stuck and grinds noisily when being open is WD-40.
Below are the important parts that often get stuck; you can use a screwdriver to open the door latch and apply WD-40 to them:
- Around the door latch
- The keyhole
- Deadbolt tube
- The handle
Make sure to tighten all fixings and align the door handle well after lubrication.
Conclusion
Your security measures can sometimes go out of hand and have their mechanisms stuck without proper observation and maintenance. However, even those security measures that are closely and routinely maintained can malfunction for a number of reasons.
Knowing how to fix a stuck door latch can help you get your door fixed again immediately by yourself and without professional help. Just learn the steps and have your tools ready and become the fixer your business or house needs.
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