How to fix stuck door lever handle?

Tann

Hi ,

I am looking for some advice on a shower room door issue.

The lever handle on my shower room door can move up and down normally, but the latch seems to be stuck in the door frame, so the door won’t open. It feels like the internal mechanism is moving but feels slightly require more pressure, but the latch itself is not retracting.

So i can not open the door. Has anyone experienced this before?
Is this something that can be fixed easily (e.g. adjusting, lubricating, or resetting the handle), or is replacing the entire privacy lever handle the best solution?

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

JacobZ

Hi @Tann,

When the handle moves up and down, but the latch does not retract, it is usually an internal latch or spindle problem. This is a fairly common issue, and you are definitely not alone. 

Lubrication might help if the issue is down to alignment, but if there is an internal failure, it is unlikely to help. A quick squirt of WD-40 aimed through the gap between the door and the frame at the latch might help.

The first thing to try after lubricating is relieving pressure on the latch. Sometimes the latch tongue binds against the strike plate. While holding the handle fully down, gently push the door toward the frame and then pull it away while turning the handle. If this does nothing, try lifting the door slightly while the handle is down. If the door opens, the latch is likely worn or slightly misaligned, in which case you may be able to just shift the striker plate up or down slightly.

If that does not work, you can try the plastic card trick. If the latch is spring-loaded and not completely jammed, slide a stiff plastic card or a thin piece of plastic between the door and the frame at the height of the latch. Angle it toward the latch and push while operating the handle. This can sometimes force the latch back enough to open the door.

As you have access to the inside, you'll be able to remove the handle completely. Twist the cover plate at the base of the handle off to reveal the screws, then remove them. Once the handles are off, you may be able to turn the square spindle with pliers or a flat screwdriver to retract the latch. If the latch still does not move, the latch mechanism itself has likely failed internally and would require replacement. You can test this by reassembling the handle outside of the door and testing. If the latch does not move outside the door, then it will require replacement.

Give these solutions a try and let me know how you go. We can certainly assist further if required.

Jacob