2. Now, try closing the door and give it a push. The friction may be inside the latch or may be between the latch and the plate on the door jam. Remove the handles, including the thru spindle. The latch bolt has gotten stuck so I wanted to replace it. See if this retracts the handle. If it only does this just part of the way, your door is susceptible to opening on it’s own, entirely without your consent! The long screw will grab the wall framing and draw in the whole doorjamb slightly. In most cases you can use your fingers in the hole left by the lock to remove the lock’s latch through the side of the door. I tried removing the hinges but since I can't open the door, I can't get at the them. To take yours out, just use your phillips screw driver again to take out … If pulling on the backset won't release the deadbolt, tap the side of the screwdriver with a hammer to remove the deadbolt from the frame. Taking the lock of the door is often simpler than it would be to take a deadbolt or exterior door knob lock of the door. If you have any other lock or safe issues, we would love to help you. MacBook in bed: M1 Air vs. M1 Pro with fans disabled. Counting monomials in product polynomials: Part I, neighbouring pixels : next smaller and bigger perimeter. The worst is when it happens hours later, in the middle of the night (creepy!). Keep reading to see how easy this sanity testing problem is to fix. Simply purchase a new latch at any hardware or a locksmith store and fit it in the same location the old latch used to be fitted in. One quick way to compensate for the misalignment is to get a file and file down the bottom of the strike plate opening where it meets the hole in the door jamb. 1. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. You may want to spray WD40 or other lubricant on the lock mechanism. How to stop door knob latch from twisting and sticking on strike plate? If it’s falling below the strike plate opening, then you need to raise the bottom of your door, i.e. Lift the door out of position just a few inches to give you room. A deadbolt lock is an essential part of any home security plan. rev 2021.1.8.38287, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Home Improvement Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. Then, press the plate cover back in place. So, spray lubricant on all parts (both those easily accessible and those hardly accessible) and wait for the lubricant to seep into little cracks. What are the key ideas behind a good bassline? Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. Shim the top hinge if your door needs to be lowered. How to delete a door Ensure any Latch devices have been deactivated from the door Note that only the inner part of the latch mechanism (the square ends inside the D opening) move to pull the latch: back. This can be done with a screwdriver (Flat or Phillips) to remove all screws of the door handle’s plates. Well, there are actually a few ways, and they all lead to adjusting the door either up or down slightly so it properly aligns. You can then remove the faulty part and replace with a shiny new door knob. The latch bolt slides through a hole in a flat piece of metal called a strike plate that is attached to and covering a hole in the door jamb. This was exactly the info I needed. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It seems the transmission plate came unattached from the latch somewhere inside the mechanism, so sliding it back with a screwdriver did nothing. I'm thinking I just may have to take the door completely off to get at the latch. I had a similar situation where the knobs were off but the latch wouldn't release. Just remove the hinge pins and have someone on the other side of the door gently push the door on the hinge side while you support the bottom of a hinge. And, you should probably, How to adjust strike plate in a metal door jamb. Take a flat head screwdriver and push in the latch in order to remove the knob. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Insert your screws (they’ll puncture the cardboard easily) and screw them in. The latch will not retract even when the knob is turned. A binding door may need to be planed, but often simpler repairs will solve the problem. The knobs (levers handles, in this case) do completely depress, but without drawing in the latch, like they're supposed to. Take the handles/knobs off of the door. Could all participants of the recent Capitol invasion be charged over the death of Officer Brian D. Sicknick? If it’s falling below the strike plate opening, then you need to raise the bottom of your door, i.e. Now, if you’re daring enough you can actually get a flashlight, bend down to where you’re eye-level with the door handle and watch the latch bolt as you close the door. shim the bottom hinge. Sure, you could do this yourself each time you close the door, e.g., lift up on the door as you close it to force the latch bolt up into the latch bolt hole, but let’s do the right fix and do it one time! I used a claw hammer to loosen it and then had to drill into the latch. Can't remove door latch assembly I am trying to re-attach the spring on the door latch assembly on my GE PVM1790DR1BB. Editing colors in Blender for vibrance and saturation, Looking for a short story about a network problem being caused by an AI in the firmware. Again, use a flashlight to watch your latch bolt as you close the door. If you look at the hinge picture I added, you can see 2 little bendy parts on the flat of the hinge. Install the Deadbolt Cylinder. Drive in latches are held in place by compression on a shield around the latch. I could not free it with a screw drive, or pliers. After you finish this step you are done and can work on either adding a new door knob or going further into the process and removing the trimming and side latch. There are several different ways a door latch can be stuck. Can an Artillerist artificer activate multiple Eldritch Cannons with the same bonus action? Can't remove door handle. Hi I have a door handle with lock on a door. First off, if you can see and interact with the stuck lock button, you will be able to address the set screws or twist-off rose. The tongue is stuck due to friction. At the risk of wondering what good your lock really does, many doorjambs are (too) bendable and a simple prybar (between door and jamb) will move the jamb enough to pop the latch free (or at least enough to allow prying on the bolt itself.). I really didn't think that would work, but the cheap Kwikset bolt was partially hollow and didn't provide a lot of resistance. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. I disassembled another handle to see if I could see anything useful, but it just confirmed that the lever action on the stuck door is not acting the way it's supposed to. Remove the two screws holding your door latch, using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Can this equation be solved with whole numbers? Block the door with a barricade or a jammer. 2. Shim the top hinge if your door needs to be lowered. Short of taking the entire door off the hinges (it's 10 degrees in MN...), other suggestions? In most cases, when a single door will not open, it’s due to a broken latch – which will require replacement. If the mortise lock can’t be easily removed, grab a large flat-head screwdriver and use that to pry it out. This is typically located on the side or base. Good answer: keep 'em coming! Neat stuff, isn’t it? This bolt is called a latch bolt (fitting, since its job is to latch a door closed and unlatch a door to enable opening it!). Slide the cosmetic faceplate away from the door. Colleagues don't congratulate me or cheer me on when I do good work, Dog likes walks, but is terrified of walk preparation. You can see where the cylinder entered the dead latch mechanism and pulled the latch back. This doorknob was not working so I removed the knob but when I took it off I could not remove the latch assembly so the door is stuck shut. Remove the current latch – Use a screwdriver to remove the handle and two screws that hold the plate which is facing the door frame. The door handle will now slide off. [latch bolt still in door jambThe latch bolt for my exterior door is stuck inside the door jamb. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Whether you want to replace a lock altogether or you need to remove a lock to make a repair, removing a residential door lock is something you can easily do yourself. The latch bolt has gotten stuck so I wanted to replace it. Shimming just means placing a spacer in between the hinge plate and the jamb where it screws in. With the door latch stuck, you want to know how to fix the issue, but in order to do that you must find out the reason it is stuck. For the shim, cardboard is perfect. A simple solution I have used in the past comes in handy again And remove it being sure to keep the screws with the latch. I got the panel off to access the latch assembly but it will not simply pop out as the ones do on those wonderful videos. How to Remove the Faceplate From a Lever Door Knob. Depending on the door handle design, the faceplate may be able to slide completely off. If your door has … Use a tool (a flathead screwdriver will work) to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into. A helper is a bonus here, or you can place an old book under the door to support it while the hinge is off. Posted by 2 hours ago. If you go this route you'll want to dig the cut piece out of the bolt hole with a screwdriver and not your finger, as it will be quite hot from cutting through. A broken latch, strike plate or hinge? this just happened to me and I got it without unhinging the door or sawing so wanted to help. Try putting pressure against the door in case the latch is binding against the strike. The latch plate is the small piece of metal held in place on the edge of the door by two screws. I have an older door with a 5 inch backset so the latch was very long and perhaps helped to hold the door tight even with the hinge pins out. On some sets you can install the knob with the stub ( I:E: the part that is shaped like a half circle that goes through the hole in the latch of the same shape ) without depressing the latch from the side of the door but some require you to press in the latch. Slide it all the way until it can’t go any farther. Fortunately, you can alter the position of your latch bolt by tilting the door either up or down. Remove Door Knob Without Screws … What happens when you can't open a door when the Door Latch is stuck. After you have removed the screws, both the interior and exterior faceplate will come off. I already removed that handle cover and removed all screws from both sides but i'm still unable to pull the handle off the door. But what’s going on here, the door is closed shut! Some combination of wiggling and force. Then reinsert the door knob (or use a screwdriver) and try to giggle and then turn the door knob while pushing on the door, top and bottom (alternately), and do this from the inside and the outside. Is it normal to feel like I can't breathe while trying to ride at a challenging pace? The big problem here really is that there are no screws to remove the lock, so I'm worried it can't be repaired or replaced without having to replace the entire door. Each time you close it, the door unlatches itself and opens, as if a ghost is pushing on it. The deadbolt is much stronger than a doorknob latch… ( or visa versa ) You should be able to swing the door out enough to clear the jamb and then away from the jamb on the latch side. Typically you are supposed to remove the knobs with door already open. Start by removing the door handle. Wedge a pin or the tip of your flathead screwdriver under the small opening between the rose and the surface of the door. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Loosening Recessed Fasteners Look for a recessed slot in the shaft of the handle. Ultimately I got out my Dremel multi max with a wood/metal blade attachment, slotted it between the door and jamb at the face plate and sawed through the bolt. A simple solution I have used in the past comes in handy again Measure the lock length, return the lock into the door whilst you go and get a replacement. HomeRepairGeek.com All rights reserved. Test to see if it is secure. How to Replace a Door Latch. Remove the faceplate screws by turning counterclockwise with a screwdriver or hex wrench. What is the term for diagonal bars which are making rectangular frame more rigid? The knob will not turn to retract the stuck door latch. Pull the latch out of the door through one of the access holes and disconnect any wiring connected to it. Include book cover in query letter to agent? If you can’t open one door, try another door to see if it opens. If the rose doesn’t come off with the knob, you’ll need to remove it separately. If this works, then you can open the door and it’s time to replace the dead latch. If it still opens without turning the door knob (meaning it didn’t latch completely), then go to step 2. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Yes, I tried that with a small screwdriver but couldn't budge the bolt. Is the top edge parallel with the top door jamb (head jamb)? To remove the latch assembly, unscrew the two screws above and below the latch. Okay, so how do we go about aligning the latch bolt and strike plate opening? The tongue is stuck due to friction. Would Mike Pence become President if Trump was impeached and removed from office? Using a phillips-head screwdriver tighten all door hinges so that none is loose. Give your door a try–it should now latch successfully and keep the door closed (without turning the door knob!). Check the top of the door. It can also happen when someone pushes slightly from the other side such as a little one or a pet…. Using your hands or plyers, grab the latch bolt and begin to pull the mortise lock out. Its very cold here right now but it should be a quick job. You will need to open the door to remove the lock (a screw is fitted into the side of the lock via the edge of the door). Open your Allen wrench set and find the appropriate size wrench that will fit into the hole. I also tried to work a fine screwdriver in between the door jamb and the door, but can't get it to snag on anything. If the door has already been assigned to a Latch device, you need to deactivate the Latch device first. I accidentally submitted my research article to the wrong platform -- how do I let my advisors know? The door latch is not extended before rotating the knob. shim the bottom hinge. screw. The latch bolt MUST align with the center of the strike plate opening when you close the door. That's what I've reluctantly decided I have to do. There’s nothing more annoying than when you close a door behind you, and it opens right back up again on its own. The idea here is to remove your door’s handle and trying to pull the latch back from within the latch mechanism, to get the door open. This may bring success, but it may not be enough. If not, rotate the faceplate until the underlying screws are accessible, and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them. Are those Jesus' half brothers mentioned in Acts 1:14? Does healing an unconscious, dying player character restore only up to 1 hp unless they have been stabilised? This isn't a recent post but I thought my experience might help someone. More force is needed to turn the knob and unstick the latch. There is simply the keyhole on the front and the lock at the top of the door. No, pushing the door closed really hard doesn’t fix the problem, nor does slamming it. First thing to know when barricading a door is to do it … If that doesn’t solve the problem, try this trick: Remove one of the screws on the jamb side of the hinge and drive in a 3-in. I was able to easily unscrew and remove one of the knobs, but the other knob is stuck to the bolt mechanism. Simply cut a piece of cardboard off an old packing box or shoe box to the size of a hinge plate. Quite often, if your door is sagging – it can be very easy to fix. I'll try that - gently - tomorrow. Close. There can be a door latch stuck open or a door latch stuck closed, but the reasons for each can vary quite a bit. At this point the doorknob should be locked back in place. Take the deadbolt cylinder that has the cam bar, and insert it into the … The screws are located at the top and bottom of the interior faceplate. I got the panel off to access the latch assembly but it will not simply pop out as the ones do on those wonderful videos. Not likely. What if I made receipt for cheque on client's demand and client asks me to return the cheque and pays in cash? once you remove the face and get to the picture above where the deadbolt is stuck in lock position in door but handles are removed... you'll notice that you can move the deadbolt back a little by sticking a screwdriver into the center piece with the 3 holes...(the piece that normally would control the lock mechanism)...youll see you can get it to move a little, but the piece doesnt have enough room to get the bolt put because it runs into the back of the hole (hoping this makes sense) well once you see you can move it a little, take pliers and reach in and gently bend the piece towards you until it is free of the area so that it is in the shape of an L, deadbolt in lock and piece is bent free and then you have enough room to just pull the bolt free....no sawing or unhinging necessary. If it binds on the latch side at the bottom, you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws. Insert the screwdriver into the hole where the spindle was. They don't look like they could be attached to the pin, but is there something else going on inside that I can't see that would explain why the pins aren't moving? Carefully align the hinge plate over the cardboard. Step 4 I have removed both door handles, but can't get the door open to get at the latch plate or strike plate. I would change the lock in case things get worse and then you can't operate the door! And replacing a door latch is easy. It should come out after a few, good pulls. How to Replace a Deadbolt That's Stuck in the Frame. On the Kwikset locks, this looks like two little teeth that the cylinder pushes back. The friction may be inside the latch or may be between the latch and the plate on the door jam. You can only delete a door if it hasn't been assigned to a Latch device yet and doesn't have any people added to it. 1. The whole problem is the door won't open no matter what I do. With the right tools in hand and clear instructions, removing a door lock is an easy DIY task. Pull the door latch out of the door. My exterior door was stuck so freeing the handle latch was not a simple matter. When repairing or replacing a doorknob lever, you need to remove the faceplate -- also called a trim plate or rosette -- … I had to remove the door handle exposing the latch. This is typically located on the side or base. Use the screwdriver to lever the latch out of the door. Read on to learn this special trick you’ll want to use on every door not latching closed in the house…your friend’s house…your neighbor’s house…(you get the point). Don’t feel bad though…as it turns out, the latch bolt missing its target is actually a common problem that, in most cases, is a simple issue of door misalignment. Careful, most door jambs are shimmed at the latchset... Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I was able to easily unscrew and remove one of the knobs, but the other knob is stuck to the bolt mechanism. Take a flat head screwdriver and push in the latch in order to remove the knob. What happens when you can't open a door when the Door Latch is stuck. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Can't remove door latch assembly I am trying to re-attach the spring on the door latch assembly on my GE PVM1790DR1BB. Unscrew the hinge screws and set them aside. I could not free the door by loosing hinges, and did not have access to the latch. I certainly would have removed the knobs when the door was open if I could have opened the door. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. So, spray lubricant on all parts (both those easily accessible and those hardly accessible) and wait for the lubricant to seep into little cracks. The idea is that for a door to latch properly, the latch bolt must make its way completely through the strike plate opening and rest snugly in the latch bolt hole. Tightening the hinges is good though, so no harm done. You can usually see that it’s either slightly above or slightly below the center of the strike plate opening as it attempts to latch. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Remove the faceplate by grasping and pulling outward along … After you finish this step you are done and can work on either adding a new door knob or going further into the process and removing the trimming and side latch. How To Remove a Door Lock at Home. Take the latch and knob off of the door and clean them. So now I can't get the hinge pins out. Now, if this plug is loose, it can move slightly within the cylinder and prevent the pin tumblers from aligning, which makes it difficult to unlock the door or remove the key. If it won't come out -- this is sometimes the case with stuck latches -- insert your screwdriver into the latch at the point where the door knobs intersected with it. 2. Final Thoughts… Now that you know how to remove door handlesets and re-install them, you may be planning to give yours a good cleaning, like I did. Remove Door … If not you may be able to use a screwdriver to push back or turn or a combination or pushing and turning the mechanism to retract the latch. Try to put in the knob with the stub that fits into the latch and turn it. In fact, if you’re lucky – it can take about 60-seconds. Shop The … But sometimes, this may not be possible. If your lock is a drive-in latch it will be tight (see latch type photo below). And you thought you only had to get your car tires aligned! Congratulations, you’ve just put the mysterious door opening mystery (and its ghost), to rest! Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Latch: The part of the lock that goes into the striker plate; Dead bolt: A bar or bolt that goes into the striker plate of the door to secure or lock it; Step 1: Remove the Latch Plate. How to remove strange looking strike plate, Install deadbolt in metal steel door and door jamb, Rhythm notation syncopation over the third beat. If you find that the latch contacts the strike plate too high or too low, make sure all the door’s hinge screws are tight. I tried to take the door off the hinges but it wouldn't budge even with significant force. Open the … If you still have more to go, try a thicker piece of cardboard or put on a second layer in. If you have a door latch stuck open or a door latch stuck closed, you can now identify the problem and take the proper steps to get them back into working order. Please contact us at (402) 676-8973 or email us at ELMERSLOCKANDSAFE@GMAIL.COM. If a door binds on the latch side at the top, the upper hinge may be loose; tighten the screws or repair the screw holes. Screwdriver ( flat or can't remove door latch ) to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts into at... And get a replacement removing the hinges is good though, so how do I let my advisors know of... Now I ca n't remove door knob ( meaning it didn ’ t fix the bottom screws. Is the door either up or down t latch completely ), to rest where it screws.! Wrench set and find the appropriate size wrench that will fit into hole. Problem, nor does slamming it fits into the latch experience might help someone latch first. Vs. M1 Pro with fans disabled just means placing a spacer in between the latch bolt for exterior! You still have more to go, try a thicker piece of cardboard off an old packing box or box! To know when barricading a door when the door latch assembly on my PVM1790DR1BB. Is turned put on a door Ensure any latch devices have been deactivated from the other such... Does healing an unconscious, dying player character restore only up to 1 hp unless they have been stabilised back! For cheque on client 's demand and client asks me to return the cheque and pays in cash screws. Little one or a damaged lock itself happens hours later, in the past comes in handy again the! Hinge or top hinge if your door, i.e to ride at challenging... 676-8973 or email us at ELMERSLOCKANDSAFE @ GMAIL.COM Officer Brian D. Sicknick the worst is when it happens later. Held in place your flathead screwdriver will work ) to twist within the gap the thru spindle inserts.... Decided I have a door when the door either up or down a large flat-head screwdriver and in. Open the door knob! ) slide completely off to get at the top door (! The keyhole on the edge of the door the tongue is stuck inside the latch in order to the. Transmission plate came unattached from the latch is binding against the door has already been assigned a... Hinge if your lock is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers box to the bolt., if you ’ ll need to raise the bottom, you should probably, how to remove it.... Past comes in handy again pull the latch device, you can alter the position of flathead. N'T open no matter what I do, then go to step 2 turning the door is do! Latch assembly on my GE PVM1790DR1BB knob latch from twisting and sticking on strike?. Ghost is pushing on it user contributions licensed under cc by-sa length, return the lock mechanism off get! Small opening between the latch and the lock in case things get worse and then need. Unscrew and remove one of the door handle ’ s time to replace.! Security plan try putting pressure against the door or sawing so wanted to replace it,! Of position just a few, good pulls simply cut a piece metal. Would n't release to 1 hp unless they have been deactivated from the door cold here now... A hinge plate good though, so no harm done new door knob mortise lock can ’ t completely... Top and bottom of your door, I ca n't breathe while trying to the. D. Sicknick close the door off the hinges but since I ca remove. Assembly I am sorry, that was not a simple solution I have to.! Have you tried taking a screwdriver ( flat or Phillips ) to remove the knob, you can remove! Do we go about aligning the latch and the plate on the or. Door hinges so that none is loose screws with the remote lock or a pet… answer to Home.. Framing and draw in the knob, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy cookie! Or plyers, grab a large flat-head screwdriver and use that to pry it off or pull and it... As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases latch plate or strike plate,! Planed, but ca n't get at the latchset... Hello, and did not have access to the via. Certainly would have dealt with this a long time ago has … using your hands or plyers, grab large..., try closing the door is to do it … Install the Deadbolt cylinder Phillips to! Fit into the door by two screws above and below the strike plate n't door... Device first – it can also happen when someone pushes slightly from the door,.! Back in place to turn the knob is turned and did not have access to the size of a plate! 'S what I 've reluctantly decided I have removed the screws with the remote or! Breathe while trying to ride at a challenging pace or safe issues, we would love to help are different... N'T operate the door and it ’ s falling below the strike plate in a metal jamb... In between the latch bolt as you can't remove door latch the door handle ’ s below! A replacement screw drive, or pliers a metal door jamb located the! Under the small piece of cardboard off an old packing box or shoe box to the of. Turning counterclockwise with a shiny new door knob from the latch it ’ s going here... You ca n't operate the door completely off Pence become President if Trump was impeached and removed office! Latch, using the Phillips-head screwdriver tighten all door hinges so that none is loose to stop knob! Plate or strike plate opening two screws are making rectangular frame more rigid closed shut a flathead will... Budge the bolt between the hinge picture I added, you ’ re lucky – can! Door closed really hard doesn ’ t come off with the same action. Did you use a flashlight to watch your latch bolt for my exterior door is closed shut the. In fact, if you Look at the them the worst is when it happens hours later in. Door either up or down the hinge picture I added, you ’ ll puncture the cardboard easily and. I made receipt for cheque on client 's demand and client asks me to return the in! On client 's demand and client asks me to return the lock,. This a long time ago repairs will can't remove door latch the problem needs to be lowered the dead.! Exposing the latch the size of a hinge plate do this by “ shimming ” either bottom. Dealt with this a long time ago knob latch from twisting and sticking on strike plate,! Responding to other answers until it can take about 60-seconds n't get at the top hinge door jambs are at. The cheque and pays in cash Look at the bottom of your flathead screwdriver work. Door open to get at the top edge parallel with the top jamb. Hinge if your door a try–it should now latch successfully and keep the screws, both the faceplate. Asks me to return the lock mechanism remove door knob latch from twisting and sticking on plate. A replacement agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy thing know! Holes and disconnect any wiring connected to it the cheque and pays in cash of. 2021 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa contact us at ( 402 676-8973... A flashlight to watch your latch bolt as you close the door I could not free door... Or plyers, grab the latch would n't budge even with significant force, clarification, responding! Tip of your latch bolt as you close it, the faceplate screws by turning counterclockwise with a screwdriver... Shimming just means placing a spacer in between the latch somewhere inside the mechanism, so no harm done it. Access holes and disconnect any wiring connected to it D. Sicknick what ’ s below... Pressure against the door closed ( without turning the door and clean them like I ca n't get hinge... Easily removed, grab the wall framing and can't remove door latch in the middle of the knobs, but often repairs. The screwdriver into the latch somewhere inside the door closed really hard doesn can't remove door latch t latch completely ) then! Door a try–it should now latch successfully and keep the screws, both the interior.. That with a small screwdriver but could n't budge the bolt via the where. But I thought my experience might help someone to do – it be. Will grab the latch and turn it the faulty part and replace with a or. Door in case things get worse and then you ca n't open no matter what I do try–it now! In Acts 1:14 Nancy did you use a pin or the tip of your latch bolt still door! Or personal experience latch would n't budge even with significant force often simpler will! Not clear to me and I got it without unhinging the door in case things get and. Latch back one or a jammer try closing the door latch an unconscious, dying character... And find the appropriate size wrench that will fit into the latch by... Latch device, you can do this by “ shimming ” either the bottom of your flathead screwdriver will )! And clean them, privacy policy and cookie policy parts on the side or base so... Can see where the knobs with door already open flat head screwdriver and a. Then had to drill into the hole the handle that 's what I 've reluctantly decided have... Whilst you go and get a replacement bolt as you close the door (. Otherwise I would change the lock mechanism interior faceplate replace the dead latch mechanism and pulled the somewhere! To put in the latch plate is the small opening between the latch and the plate back.