Methods for repairing your door handle

Nothing is more annoying than a door handle that does not work properly! A door handle is designed to last over time. It sometimes happens that wear or renovation work leads to the handle malfunctioning.

How to repair a door handle that is sticking?

Here is a video demonstrating all the problems that our customers have been able to encounter on their doors:

The causes of handle jamming are numerous but are found either at the level of the handle or within the lock. We will explain simply how to diagnose the source of the problem and give you the methods to fix it yourself without the intervention of a locksmith. Sometimes all it takes is a simple screwdriver and a few turns of the wrist to carry out the repair.

How do you find the source of the jamming of your door handle? It's simple! There are 2 check points to carry out:

• the door handle (check its fitting or mechanism)

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

We will go over the different cases of jamming and provide you with the methods suited to each one in order to repair your door handle easily.

To determine the nature of the problem encountered, the first thing to do is to remove the handles from the door. Indeed, you need to check that they are functioning correctly. If that is the case, the problem comes either from the fitting or from the locking mechanism.

Check your door handles

The handle is an essential piece of ironmongery as it serves to open or close a door by releasing the half-turn latch (also called the latch bolt) from the strike plate, or conversely helping it to engage. Several problems can hinder its proper functioning.

1. Loosen the fixing screws of your door handle

Overly tightened handle fixings cause misalignment or jamming of the lever bearing against the face of the door, or compression of the locking mechanism inside the mortise which can no longer function correctly. Furthermore, the square spindle of the handle may protrude from the rose if the screws are too tight and thus jam the mechanism.

Solution: Simply loosen the screws slightly, which creates the necessary clearance for the mechanism to operate freely. Operate the handles to check that they return to the horizontal position.

2. Check the alignment of the door handle spindle

When fitting the handles to the door, you must ensure that the transverse spindle of the handle is perfectly horizontal.

If the levers are not properly aligned with one another, the spindle may pass through the door at an angle and thus jam the mechanism. The mounting screw holes may not be correctly positioned or may be misaligned.

Repair: Measure the alignment of the handles (ruler and level) and correct the screw positions if necessary to achieve a perfect face-to-face alignment of the fixing screw holes. Do not hesitate to replace the screws for a better hold.

3. Adjust the length of the door handle axis

The axis is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of rotation of the square hole (follower) where the split spindle is inserted. Lock axes are generally 40 or 50 mm. The spindle must be fixed at the correct axis to allow the handle mechanism to operate.

Solution: Take measurements and position the square spindle on the correct axis while maintaining a slight amount of play to ensure the handle moves freely.

Return spring: a key element for a functional handle

The majority of door handles are fitted with a return spring. This small mechanism, integrated into the handle or the lock depending on the model, allows the lever to return to the horizontal position once released. Without it, the handle remains in the lowered position or returns slowly, which can hinder daily use and accelerate wear on the system.

What to do if the handle no longer returns to position?

A handle that does not return to position is often a sign of a problem with the spring. Here are the possible causes and solutions to consider:

• Worn or broken return spring
  Over time and with repeated use, the spring may lose its tension or break. In this case, the handle remains limp or drops completely without returning. If the spring is integrated into the handle, the entire handle will need to be replaced. Certain lock models also contain a reinforced return spring, which can be a durable alternative.
• Accumulation of dirt or lack of lubrication
  Dust or lack of maintenance can hinder the mechanism. A simple cleaning and greasing (with a grease suitable for metal) can sometimes restore proper functioning.
• Incompatibility between handle and lock
  If you have fitted a heavy handle on a standard lock, the lock may not have sufficient power to ensure the return. In this case, it is advisable to opt for a lock with a reinforced integrated spring, specifically designed for this type of lever handle.

Before replacing anything, test by removing the handle and operating the square spindle: if it returns correctly on its own, the handle is the cause; if it remains stuck, the problem likely comes from the lock.

5. Check all the components of the door handle

The handle may jam due to a damaged or poorly lubricated part. Before dismantling the handle, check the latch (also called the half-turn latch or latch bolt — the bevelled metal part that engages in the strike plate and allows the door to close). Operate the handle to check whether the latch moves freely.

Next, unscrew the handle screws to remove it from the door in order to check the condition of the square spindle and the adapters. Age and wear on the handle may have damaged these elements, which are easy to replace.

Solution: Check all the components of the handle, in particular the square spindle (the through-rod) and its positioning in the follower (the hole in the lock through which the spindle passes), the lever handle and the fixing screws. Do not hesitate to add lubricant to facilitate the smooth operation of the mechanism.

If the latch does not engage and the problem persists, it is likely due to a faulty spring inside the lock.

Check the lock on your door

The handle may remain stuck due to a malfunction of the lock.

Before getting to the heart of the matter, here is a brief reminder of some key vocabulary from the world of locksmithing:

• A lock refers to the locking system itself. The lock can be operated with a key or a handle (lever handle or knob). It is the lock that allows the door to be secured.

• The cylinder (also called the barrel or lock cylinder) is the central component of the lock. It receives the key which is turned to trigger the opening and closing of the bolt.

• The strike plate refers to the box fixed to the door frame into which the latch engages to close or lock a door.

• The latch (also called the bolt) refers to the metal piece that enters and exits the lock when the mechanism is operated with the handle. The latch keeps the door closed when it engages in the strike plate.

We speak of a half-turn latch when the latch can be reversed to match the direction of the door. The deadbolt is used to lock the door.

6. How to replace a faulty spring in the lock

The lock mechanism includes springs that allow the handle to return to the horizontal position.

Most modern handles are fitted with return springs that assist the action of the lock springs. It is however important to ensure that the lock is fitted with springs strong enough to return the handle to the horizontal position, especially in the case of heavy handles or those of very good quality.

Some door handles do not have return springs. These require a lock fitted with robust springs, as the movement of the latch depends solely on the force of those springs.

Under excessive pressure, the spring may come loose, particularly if there is play in the lock body, or even break.

Repair: Experienced DIYers will be able to dismantle the lock to reposition or replace the damaged spring. You need to open the lock case by lifting the clips located at the ends and centre of the case and position the spring back in place.

If the spring is broken, repair is compromised. Indeed, it may be difficult to find the same model on the market. In this case, you should purchase a new lock for your peace of mind and security. Make sure to match the quality of the lock to the type of handles fitted on the doors of your home.

7. Check the door latch itself

You have bought new handles and the latch remains stuck? It can happen that the original installation is not suitable. The lock may also have shifted slightly and no longer be positioned at a right angle, thus preventing the mechanism from functioning.

Solution: Remove the handles. Take the lock case out of the door and check whether the latch functions correctly when removed from the door. If the mechanism remains jammed, check that there is sufficient clearance for the movement of the latch and that the parts are not catching on the door wood, for example. Finally, ensure that the lock case and handles are properly aligned.

8. Check for the absence of debris in the door locking mechanism

During renovation work or a first installation, pieces of wood or other DIY debris can damage or even jam the lock mechanism as well as the latch.

Tips: it is often enough to clean and remove debris for the lock to function again.

Conclusion: Repairing a broken handle does not require you to be a DIY expert! In the vast majority of cases, your door handle does not return to position either because there is a fitting fault or a problem with the return spring, or because the lock is faulty.

What to do if your door handle is still stuck?

If despite all these checks your handle remains stuck, you have no other option but to proceed with replacing the door handle or the broken lock.

Change your door handles

Milla Poignées offers a wide range of designer door handles suited to all interior decoration styles at very attractive prices. A faulty handle can be a great opportunity to renew the handles throughout your home! Don't forget the matching designer window handles!

Replace the lock on your door

Milla Poignées also offers a wide choice of mechanical and magnetic locks. The magnetic lock is very on-trend as the door becomes more design and closes silently (the latch only engaging upon contact with the strike plate fitted with magnets).

Practical video tips for changing your door handles

To visualise the fitting and repair of door handles, nothing beats video!

Take advantage of our many tutorials, which show in particular:

. How to easily install an interior door handle

. How to resolve problems encountered during the installation of your handles

In just a few minutes, you will learn how to install your door fittings (handle, door knob, cylinder or magnetic locks).

Also consult our articles on the fitting of handles and locks available on our blog.

If you need help repairing or installing your door handle, please don't hesitate to let us know by leaving a comment: our experts will reply with precision.

Entrust your DIY and décor projects to Milla Poignées, the specialist in designer door handles!