My Door Knob Won’t Turn! What Do I Do?
What do your door knob won’t turn? The answer may seem obvious but the real solution can be more difficult than you might expect.
Of course, if you find yourself facing a stuck door, the very first thing that you ought to do is ascertain whether or not this is intentional. For instance, one of your roommates may have closed the door on you and forgotten to tell you. If the door is indeed busted, however, there are still a few paths that you can take.
Keep reading to learn what you can try and learn how to get your door knob unstuck.
Assess the Situation
When a door knob won’t turn, it could be a sign of door knob problems or the door itself. The first step is to assess the situation and determine the cause. For simple issues, it could be simply due to wear and tear or a broken door knob part like a spring, latch, or bolt.
Apply Lubrication
If your door knob is stuck and the key won’t turn, applying some lubrication is an easy and effective fix. Determine which type of lubricant to apply and where. For example, if the lock is sticking because of friction, then a lubricant like graphite or WD-40 should do the trick.
Be sure to spray the lubricant directly onto the lock components and rub it into the key. This should reduce the friction, allowing the lock to turn more easily.
Check for Misalignment
Look closely at the knob and cylinder to ensure they are properly aligned with no visible misplacement. If the knob and cylinder appear misaligned, remove the screws holding the knob in place and manually realign them. Once it’s realigned correctly, return the screws to place.
Reassemble the knob by pushing the latch on and replacing the facings and plates of the knob. If the misalignment is not the source of the problem then check to see if the latch on the door jamb is extended, which can prevent your door knob from turning. Adjust the door jamb to make sure the latch is secure when the door is shut.
Replace Worn Keys or Locks
When a door key won’t turn it’s important to replace either the key or the lock as soon as possible to ensure the house is secure. When replacing worn keys or locks, it’s important to find the right type of lock for the door and the right type and size of key. Depending on the type of lock, a locksmith may be required for installation.
It’s also important to make sure the new key is of good quality, and that any spare keys are securely stored. If you’re changing the entire lock, it’s a good idea to check the door alignment and ensure that the door still closes and locks properly.
Take Action When the Door Knob Won’t Turn
To sum up, if your door knob won’t turn, the cause is probably a blocked latch or misalignment of the door knob. To fix this, be sure to use a lubricant and wooden wedge if needed, and check to make sure the door frame and latch are in alignment. If your door knob still won’t budge, consult a locksmith for a professional solution.
If you find this helpful, check out our other posts for helpful hints and tips that can help you get the most out of your home.
