Fixing a stuck doorknob usually comes with easy and quick solutions. A gentle shake and a lubricant do the work in most cases. When there is severe damage involved in the situation, assistance from a professional residential locksmith would be needed. They have the tools and expertise to evaluate the problem and fix the broken parts to restore functionality, or replace the entire mechanism if that’s needed.
5 Easy Steps to Fix a Stuck Doorknob
01. Shake It Gently
When the doorknob gets stuck, sometimes all you have to do is just gently shake it, and the jammed part will loosen up. This simple solution only works when there is just a minor issue with a small component; it won’t give results. However, be very careful with this, because if you apply too much force or pressure, you might even jam the doorknob even more. Eventually, bear in mind that this is just a temporary solution, and you should call a locksmith regardless.
02. Apply Lubricants
Spraying some lubricant on top of the mechanism sometimes can help loosen up the stuck area. If there is any rust on the doorknob, that might be the reason why it is stuck. In such situations, the lubricants would help. After spraying the lubricant, use just any brush to remove the rust, and then try shaking the doorknob. This usually solves the problem and restores the functionality.
03. Check the Latch
In situations where the aforementioned steps do not work, checking the tubular latch is the next thing to check. If the latch is sticking for some reason, the lubricants might help, but that is just a partial solution, since they cannot solve the cause of the problem. Turning the doorknob slowly and listening to whether the latch engages can help identify if the root cause of the problem is that.
04. Check the Door Lock
If none of the above solves the problem, the issue may lie with the door lock. The door locking mechanism is complex, fiddly, and vulnerable to jamming, especially in wintry weather. To test the lock, try turning the doorknob while the doors are open, and observe whether the lock works or is jammed. A door lock that is stuck can be the one causing the issue in the first place.
05. Disassemble the Doorknob
If nothing aforementioned works, the final solution is to disassemble the doorknob. Unscrew the door lock and check whether you can identify the issue once you’ve done it. In most cases, this only helps identify the problem, not solve it. You would still need to have the replacement parts by your side, and the right knowledge to assemble everything back. Calling a locksmith saves you the hassle.
Repairing or Replacing the Locks?
The ultimate choice comes down to whether you should repair or replace faulty locks and doorknobs. This solely depends on a combination of factors, and professional locksmiths are trained to give you advice that fits your needs perfectly. Repairing the locks and doorknobs makes sense when the damage is minor and easily fixable. In situations where the doorknob is jammed due to severe damage to the entire locking mechanism, the best solution is to replace it completely.
If you’re unsure whether you should replace them or repair them, the best thing is to get advice from a professional locksmith. However, before he arrives, you can check our ultimate guide here to get an overall idea of the services you will need from the locksmith.
Final Thoughts
A stuck doorknob causes many inconveniences, and fixing it in a DIY setting is the first thing that comes to one’s mind. Even though there are some easy steps that can help you fix the doorknob on your own, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have also removed the problem that caused the issue in the first place. A professional locksmith can help you identify the root cause of a faulty doorknob and provide a quick and efficient solution right away on the spot.
Your Doorknob Is Stuck? We’re Here to Help You – Call Us Today
We at A1 Locksmith Service LLC have the professional tools and the proper knowledge to easily fix the problem with stuck doorknobs, identify if there are any damaged parts, replace them, and successfully restore the lock’s functionality. Call us at +1 (813) 817-5576 to schedule your locksmith service.
