Too Much Play In My Door Lock

In most cases this turns out to be a loose set screw within the door handle or door knob.

Too much play in my door lock. Pull off the knob as you depress the button. Press the release button on the side of the door knob handle with an awl or narrow screwdriver. First score the paint line where the stop meets the jamb. If exposed screws are being used you will have to find the set screw which is normally found on the inside of the door.

An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door. When you use your door a lot you will begin to notice a little bit of play in the door knob. It doesn t really pay to have interior door knobs or locks professionally repaired unless they are special. This will keep the door knob from moving around and secure to the door.

On the latch side a door is cut at a slight bevel to make it easier to close. If the deadlatching function isn t working properly or can be easily defeated by pushing or pulling on the door the first thing to do is to call in a qualified electric hardware installer to examine the door. Door lock problems that are a result of debris jamming up the keyway should not be ignored because they can potentially result in more problems like breaking a key in a lock. If the gap along the side of your door is so large that the latch won t catch or barely catches adjusting the strike can reduce the gap to ensure proper operation.

This problem is easily fixed with a screwdriver. If it is a threaded shaft you will have to twist the shaft s handle to make it flush with the door. There are many portable door locks that can be attached to the door to secure it in a few minutes or less. Also a broken bolt or latch that causes your door lock to jam might be a symptom of a much larger issue like an attempted home break in.

Most interior door knobs are relatively inexpensive to replace. Locate the two screws that hold the door knob together and tighten them. So if you don t have another entry exit point the only way to use a barricade is while you re inside the room. Use a portable door lock.

The only way to exit is to remove the barricade but then your door is left unprotected. Using either a screwdriver or allen key loosen the set screw and remove the handle which will uncover the shaft. Unscrew the strike and slide. For serious lock problems it is usually best to call a locksmith or to replace the lock entirely.

A loose door handle usually indicates that there might be something wrong with your door lock. Unfortunately most people overlook this sign and end up with a key that keeps turning in their door lock.