Methods for repairing your door handle

There’s nothing more annoying than a door handle that doesn’t work properly! A door handle is made to last, but wear or renovation work can sometimes cause it to malfunction.

How do you fix a sticking door handle?

Here’s a video showing the various problems our customers have encountered with their doors:

There are many reasons a handle can jam, but the problem lies either in the handle or in the lock. We’ll explain how to identify the cause and show you how to fix it without calling a locksmith. Sometimes, all you need is a screwdriver and a few turns of the wrist.

How can you find out why your door handle is stuck? It’s simple! There are two things to check:

• the door handle (check its installation or mechanism)

• the lock inside the door (faulty spring or mechanism)

We’ll look at the different reasons a handle can jam and explain how to fix each one, so you can repair your door handle easily.

To identify the problem, first remove the handles from the door and check that they work properly. If they do, the problem lies either in the installation or in the lock mechanism.

Check your door handles

A handle is an essential piece of door hardware: it opens the door by releasing the spring latch from the strike plate and helps the latch engage with it when the door closes. Several problems can prevent it from working properly.

1. Loosen the fixing screws on your door handle

Overtightened handle fixings can cause misalignment, jam the lever bearing against the face of the door, or compress the lock mechanism inside the mortice so that it no longer works properly. The handle’s square spindle may also protrude from the rose if the screws are too tight, blocking the mechanism.

Solution: Simply loosen the screws slightly to give the mechanism enough room to move freely. Operate the handles to check that they return to a horizontal position.

2. Check the alignment of the door handle spindle

When fitting the handles to the door, make sure the handle spindle is perfectly horizontal.

If the levers are not properly aligned with each other, the spindle may pass through the door at an angle and jam the mechanism. The fixing screw holes may also be incorrectly positioned or offset.

Repair: Check that the handles are aligned using a ruler and spirit level. If necessary, adjust the screw positions so the fixing holes line up perfectly. Consider replacing the screws for a more secure fit.

3. Adjust the length of the door handle spindle

The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the square follower hole into which the split spindle fits. Lock backsets are generally 40 or 50 mm. The spindle must be fitted at the correct backset for the handle mechanism to operate.

Solution: Take measurements and position the square spindle on the correct axis, leaving a little play so the handle moves easily.

Return spring: essential to a working handle

Most door handles have a return spring. Depending on the model, this small mechanism is built into the handle or the lock and returns the lever to a horizontal position when released. Without it, the handle stays down or returns slowly, which can make everyday use awkward and accelerate wear on the mechanism.

What should you do if your handle no longer springs back?

A handle that does not spring back often indicates a problem with the spring. Here are the possible causes and solutions:

• Worn or broken return spring
  Over time and with repeated use, the spring can lose tension or break. The handle then feels loose or drops completely without returning. If the spring is built into the handle, you will need to replace the entire handle. Some locks also have a reinforced return spring, which can be a durable alternative.
• Build-up of dirt or lack of lubrication
  Dust or a lack of maintenance can interfere with the mechanism. Sometimes, simply cleaning and lubricating it (with grease suitable for metal) will restore normal operation.
• Handle and lock incompatibility
  If you have fitted a heavy handle to a standard lock, the lock may not have enough spring force to return it to position. In that case, choose a lock with a reinforced built-in spring, designed specifically for this type of lever handle.

Before replacing anything, remove the handle and turn the square spindle to test it: if it springs back on its own, the handle is at fault; if it remains stuck, the problem is probably with the lock.

5. Check all the door handle components

The handle may be sticking because a part is damaged or poorly lubricated. Before removing the handle, check the latch (also called the spring latch: the bevelled metal part that enters the strike plate to keep the door closed). Operate the handle to check that the latch moves freely.

Next, undo the handle screws and remove it from the door to check the condition of the square spindle and adaptors. Age and wear may have damaged these parts, which are easy to replace.

Solution: Check all the handle components, particularly the square spindle (the rod that passes through the door), its position in the follower (the hole in the lock that the spindle passes through), the lever and the fixing screws. You can also add lubricant to help the mechanism operate smoothly.

If the latch does not retract and the problem persists, there is probably a faulty spring inside the lock.

Check your door lock

The handle may remain stuck because the lock is not working properly.

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick guide to some lock-related terms:

• A lock is the locking system itself. It can be operated with a key or a handle (lever handle or knob). The lock is what secures the door.

• The cylinder (also called the lock barrel) is the central component of the lock. It takes the key, which you turn to lock or unlock the door.

• The strike plate is the fitting fixed to the door frame into which the latch or bolt engages to close or lock the door.

• The latch is the metal part that moves in and out of the lock when you operate the handle. It keeps the door closed when it engages with the strike plate.

A reversible latch is a latch that can be turned around to suit the direction in which the door opens. The deadbolt locks the door.

6. How to replace a faulty lock spring

The lock mechanism contains springs that return the handle to a horizontal position.

Most modern handles have return springs that work alongside the springs in the lock. However, the lock springs must be strong enough to return the handle to a horizontal position, especially with heavy or high-quality handles.

Some door handles do not have return springs. They need a lock with robust springs, as the latch relies entirely on those springs to move.

Excessive force can dislodge the spring, particularly if there is play in the lock case, or even break it.

Repair: Experienced DIYers can dismantle the lock to reposition or replace the damaged spring. Open the lock case by lifting the clips at its ends and centre, then put the spring back in place.

If the spring is broken, repairing it may not be possible. It can be difficult to find an identical replacement. In that case, buy a new lock for your peace of mind and security. Make sure the quality of the lock is appropriate for the type of handles fitted to your doors.

7. Check the door latch itself

Have you bought new handles, only to find that the latch still sticks? The original installation may not be suitable. The lock may also have shifted slightly and no longer sit at a right angle, preventing the mechanism from working.

Solution: Remove the handles. Take the lock case out of the door and check whether the latch works properly when it is out of the door. If the mechanism is still stuck, check that the latch has enough room to move and that the parts are not catching on the door’s wood, for example. Finally, make sure the lock case and handles are properly aligned.

8. Check for debris in the door lock mechanism

During renovation work or an initial installation, pieces of wood or other DIY debris can damage or even jam the lock mechanism and latch.

Tips: cleaning the lock and removing debris is often enough to get it working again.

Conclusion: You don’t need to be a DIY expert to fix a broken handle! In most cases, a door handle fails to spring back because of an installation fault, a problem with the return spring or a faulty lock.

What should you do if your door handle is still stuck?

If your handle is still stuck after all these checks, you will need to replace the door handle or the broken lock.

Replace your door handles

Milla Handles offers a wide range of designer door handles to suit every interior style at very attractive prices. A faulty handle could be the perfect opportunity to replace the handles throughout your home! Don’t forget the matching designer window handles!

Replace your door lock

Milla Handles also offers a wide range of mechanical and magnetic locks. Magnetic locks are very much on trend: they give doors a sleeker look and close quietly (the latch only extends when it meets the magnet-equipped strike plate).

Practical video tips for replacing your door handles

There’s nothing like a video to show you how to install and repair door handles!

Explore our many tutorials, which show you, among other things:

. How to install an internal door handle easily

. How to solve problems when installing your handles

In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how to install your door hardware (handles, door knobs, cylinder locks and magnetic locks).

You can also read our blog articles on installing handles and locks.

If you need help repairing or installing your door handle, please let us know by leaving a comment: our experts will give you a detailed answer.

Trust Milla Handles with your DIY and decorating projects — the specialist in designer door handles!