Door Latch - not retracting far enough - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

Jun 25th, 2018 6:24 pm

#1

Easto [OP]: Deal Addict; Aug 22, 2009; 1739 posts; 1242 upvotes

Jun 25th, 2018 6:24 pm

Door Latch - not retracting far enough

My front door latch started acting up when the weather got warm. Not sure if this is related.

When I open the door from the inside there are no issues.

When I open from outside the latch doesn’t retract far enough. I end up having to give the door a hefty pull then push to open it. It’s getting worse and I’m not really interested in damaging the door or frame.

I attached a picture showing how far it sticks out when I push the lever down all the way.

Any idea what I can try?

Images

Jun 25th, 2018 7:20 pm

#2

engineered: Deal Expert; Feb 11, 2007; 19755 posts; 23171 upvotes; GTA

Jun 25th, 2018 7:20 pm

Spray some graphite lube to loosen it up. If that doesn't work, try some lithium grease. Otherwise take it apart and inspect for damage, if none, grease and put back together.

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+1

Jun 25th, 2018 7:57 pm

#3

thriftshopper: Deal Fanatic; Jul 7, 2017; 8754 posts; 4371 upvotes; SW corner of the cou…

Jun 25th, 2018 7:57 pm

As above. I would check for wear 'n tear anyway. Had a Schlage front lock that had difficulty unlocking. Opened it up to find that the D-shaped (instead of square) rotating piece was almost completely broken (cheap cast metal construction). If it had broken, the front door would not have been easily opened. Of course the BB stores didn't have any parts but the local locksmiths did.

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+1

Jun 25th, 2018 8:51 pm

#4

Easto [OP]: Deal Addict; Aug 22, 2009; 1739 posts; 1242 upvotes

Jun 25th, 2018 8:51 pm

It’s odd because from the inside it opens fine.

Outside is the problem.

I will pick up some graphite lube tomorrow and try

Jun 25th, 2018 11:40 pm

#5

Jerico: Deal Guru; Jan 25, 2007; 12156 posts; 7346 upvotes; Paris

Jun 25th, 2018 11:40 pm

It is a push button from the outside? Those are notoriously crap and can wear out in less than 2 years with daily use. Go for warranty if a Weiser or Schlage.

From inside with a knob or lever you are getting a lot more Ompf.

+1

Jun 26th, 2018 7:07 am

#6

Easto [OP]: Deal Addict; Aug 22, 2009; 1739 posts; 1242 upvotes

Jun 26th, 2018 7:07 am

Jerico wrote: ↑ It is a push button from the outside? Those are notoriously crap and can wear out in less than 2 years with daily use. Go for warranty if a Weiser or Schlage.

From inside with a knob or lever you are getting a lot more Ompf.

Yes, it’s one you push with your thumb

Jun 26th, 2018 7:13 am

#7

bizzyseller: Deal Addict; May 9, 2003; 1982 posts; 1290 upvotes

Jun 26th, 2018 7:13 am

I had the exact problem with my Weiser. It was the latch mechanism.

Fortunately mine was under warranty.

Insorayed graphite and it worked as a temp solution until I could install the latch.

Jun 26th, 2018 8:23 am

#8

Jerico: Deal Guru; Jan 25, 2007; 12156 posts; 7346 upvotes; Paris

Jun 26th, 2018 8:23 am

Easto wrote: ↑ Yes, it’s one you push with your thumb

There is no fix at home. The insides used to be made of metal and would last 10-15 years. They are now nylon or plastic and 2-5 is the best you can do. Less if your door was drilled incorrectly. Lifetime warranty from Weiser and Schlage for first buyer.

Edit: drill to door

Last edited by Jerico on Jun 26th, 2018 1:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Jun 26th, 2018 9:25 am

#9

Easto [OP]: Deal Addict; Aug 22, 2009; 1739 posts; 1242 upvotes

Jun 26th, 2018 9:25 am

Jerico wrote: ↑ There is no fix at home. The insides used to be made of metal and would last 10-15 years. They are now nylon or plastic and 2-5 is the best you can do. Less if your drill was drilled incorrectly. Lifetime warranty from Weiser and Schlage for first buyer.

The original door latch was installed in 2009.

I’ve already replaced it once under warranty. The thumb latch fell off, LOL.

Looks like I’m back to called Weiser again

Oct 30th, 2019 7:42 pm

#10

James Stonehenge: Deal Addict; Dec 25, 2012; 1395 posts; 732 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 30th, 2019 7:42 pm

What do you do if the door latch is stuck all the way in...this has happened to multiple I door doors...closet, bedroom etc...so annoying...5 yrs old

JS

Oct 30th, 2019 8:00 pm

#11

Jerico: Deal Guru; Jan 25, 2007; 12156 posts; 7346 upvotes; Paris

Oct 30th, 2019 8:00 pm

James Stonehenge wrote: ↑ What do you do if the door latch is stuck all the way in...this has happened to multiple I door doors...closet, bedroom etc...so annoying...5 yrs old

Graphite or warranty

Oct 30th, 2019 8:55 pm

#12

James Stonehenge: Deal Addict; Dec 25, 2012; 1395 posts; 732 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 30th, 2019 8:55 pm

Jerico wrote: ↑ Graphite or warranty

I have graphite powder. I will try that spraying it in the latch

JS

Oct 30th, 2019 10:47 pm

#13

TrevorK: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2001; 18123 posts; 9192 upvotes

Oct 30th, 2019 10:47 pm

You will want to take the exterior handle off to spray the graphite inside the mechanisms - just putting it inside where the sticking piece is (on the side - the latch) will not help. You can tell it's not seized up (again the latch) because the inside knob works fine. It should just be a couple screws to take off the exterior handle but you'll definitely want to take it off to increase your chance of success at having the exterior handle function properly.

Oct 31st, 2019 1:20 pm

#14

georvu: Deal Fanatic; Feb 4, 2015; 8901 posts; 5171 upvotes; Canada, Eh!!

Oct 31st, 2019 1:20 pm

Tried graphite and no help.

So uninstalled and opened up. There is a spring mechanism that is held in place by two pins and holes [kind of like watch straps]. One side had come loose and so mechanism was at an angle which reduced movement/leverage.

Put back into place to fix. Tried to find pics online but could not.

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