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 · Accepted solution]

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

[Tann]

Hi,

A locksmith has inspected the door and confirmed that the internal latch mechanism is broken. This explains why the handle moves up and down but the latch does not retract.

The recommended solution is to replace the latch mechanism with a new one while keeping the existing lever handles, as they are still in good condition. Once the latch is replaced, the door should function normally.

Thank you @JacobZ JacobZ for the suggestion and guidance.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Tann,

Since it has been confirmed that the latch is the issue, you are going to need a new tubular latch. There are two factors you'll need to take into consideration when selecting one. The setback and the shape and size of the faceplate.

The setback is the horizontal distance between the face of the door and the centre of the handle. It is usually 60mm or 70mm.

Tubular latches will usually have a rectangular faceplate, but there are some with round ones, like this Gainsborough 60mm Bright Chrome Round Strike Drive-In Collar Face Tubular Latch. Looking at your striker plate, I would assume the faceplate is rectangular, but you'll want to double-check.

You can always take your old tubular latch in store to compare.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob