Try First: Easy FIX for Stuck Front Door Handle

If you need to replace the door handle, I appreciate if you use these links - it costs you nothing more, but sends a small commission to me when you make a purchase.

The kids could not even open the door.
Taking apart the handle only takes a screwdriver and a few minutes. With a little silcone spray, this door handle is working smoothly again and should last for many more years!

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[bullymaguire]

Finally, a video I can show my landlord

[imag]

Excellent video! Thorough without being too drawn out. Multiple camera angles and clean shots. Thanks for the how to, the lubricating worked for our door!

[jwsorrell]

You are one of the best videographers on YouTube. We are able to see everything perfectly.

[EddieG]

The wd-40 silicone did the trick and I didn't have to take apart the latch. Thanks for the idea of using it

[Michael-rzic]

Yes indeed, a fine video explanation of how the thumb latch mechanism works. Close inspection showed that my spring pin had slipped out on one end. In hindsight troubleshooting a half-working thumb latch pin issue is easy: there isn’t a consistent pressure (spring tension)when actuating the thumb latch. Now with the pin in place there is a constant ‘feel’, the thumb latch feels brand new. Excellent video.

[Mike-ethl]

So my door latch wouldn't fully release the latch, it would only come in 80%.
It looked exactly the same as yours but wasn't as worn.
I flipped it over the SPINDLE like you did, no changes
In my case the latch was crooked, your's wasn't...?
Upon better inspection the thumb latch lever (part that hits the CAM on the SPINDLE) rides on a pin with the spring, one side of the pin came out.
I used carb or brake cleaner to get rid of the grime and reassembled pounding the pin back in place.
I used a penetrate fluid similar to WD40 to lube it up and works great now.
I was going to go to Home Depot to buy a new one but thought I'd drink my coffee and spend 5mins at YouTube University and found your video.
YOUR VIDEO INSPIRED ME TO DO THIS AND I FIXED IT IN ABOUT 30mins!
THANKS!!! GREAT VIDEO
Now I can spend $50 on something else at home depot! LOL

[TheresadePrat]

Super helpful, thanks so much! It's obviously something I'd look up often but when you need it, you NEED content like this.

[paramjitsingh-lkwr]

For me just lubricating the mechanism worked. Thank you for the info.

[rdy]

Saved me $100. Different mechanism, but was able to see some screws were loose. Tightened up and back in business. Now the kids can open the door

[lokeelee]

Hi Mike! Thank you so much for this video. I was able to use my dremel to slightly smooth out an internal worn area in my door handle. For now, it works perfectly. Your suggestion saved me probably north of $175 to replace the whole thing! Kudos!

[matthewmartina]

Your video was easy to follow and your Fox worked for my front door. Simple and straightforward. Thank you very much!

[charlesb.ortman]

The inside knob worked great but I was having a lot of trouble with the outside handle. I didn't have a clue of how to approach it until watching y0our video. Turns out my metal pieces weren't worn so I just took the mechanism apart and lubed the heck out of any of the movable pieces. Works like a charm now. Thanks for showing the way!

[jeffdsilva]

excellent video and explanation - you gave me the confidence to try to fix my door handle myself, and I did it! Thank you!

[dantalbott]

Great video. It took me longer to watch it than it did to actually fix my latch. That's how easy it was. Thank you!

[Tallthing]

Bea-u-ti-fully and clearly produced video!!!! OMG! Wish they were all so well done & explained.

[DoubleD_]

Oh my this is brilliant. I think the easiest way to see if this is your solution is if your inside handle gets stuck one way and not the other, this would be a very straight forward fix!

[Spiffy]

Simple. Straight forward. Great camera angle.

[geobrown]

Looks good! Easy fix when you can access the inside of the door. I have one that is keeping us locked out....gotta work that penetrant in from the outside.

[raingater]

I removed the door knob, which is on the inside, and lubricated it and it works like a butter. I didn't even have to remove the handle that is on the outside. Btw, I used white lithium grease (by Liquid Wrench) and works very well.

Thank you very much as your video really helped as I wouldn't even have thought that lubricating it would work.

It's simply impossible to think of a life without Google and YouTube is just amazing. :)

[Zennofobic]

wow so glad I found this video, I'm going to take apart my latch right now and hopefully it's the same or just as easy to fix issue! thank you!