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Hi! The latch (pictured) for my front door is a bit loose. Does anyone know how this could be fixed, appreciate any advice!
Hello @Dave_7
Can you please provide us with a bit more information about which part is loose? Is the handle or latch itself loose? Is the entire assembly shifting or are other parts not lining up? There could be a number of reasons for loose parts such as wear and tear, springs that have loosened over time or mechanical clearances that have loosened up. I suggest taking these things into consideration when trying to identify what could be wrong with your lock latch.
Some parts can't be repaired or replaced, or the damage is such that it would be better to get a new lock rather than hunt for spare parts. As a general start, I propose getting a Philips screwdriver and tightening the fixing screws at the front of the latch face. Once we have more details about your latch, we will try to provide recommendations on how to proceed.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hello @Dave_7
It’s quite possible that the spring inside the thumb lock has loosened or worn out a bit, which is why the handle isn’t returning to its original position. If you’re comfortable with a bit of mechanical work, you can take off the handle and cover plate to have a look. You should be able to see the spring that holds the handle in place and check whether it’s still pushing the handle back properly. In some cases, though, there might not be a separate spring at all the return mechanism could be built into the latch assembly itself.
Just keep in mind that the spring or return mechanism can sometimes break if it’s forced or reassembled incorrectly. It’s completely up to you whether you’d like to take the cover plate off and explore a repair. If the looseness isn’t causing any trouble with the lock itself, it’s mostly just a small annoyance. But if the handle eventually stops working as it should, that’s a good sign it’s time to replace or upgrade the latch.
Let me call on our experienced member @Noyade for his recommendation.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
