Door handle broken! I'm trapped!

esuhl

Erm... I've just tried to leave the room and the (internal) door won't open. It should open outwards, so I could probably kick it down if necessary, but I'd rather not!

I've managed to take the door handle off, and it seems to be turning the "rod", but I guess the latch has broken and doesn't retract. Unfortunately (because the door opens outwards and the door jam is in the way), I can't insert anything like a credit card to force the latch.

Is there any easy way to get out without causing any damage...? I can't see how it would be possible, but thought I'd ask.

Thanks in advance!

maninthestreet

Are you still stuck in the room? Is it a room on the ground floor - can you get out be climbing out of the window? Do you access to a phone in the room to call for help?

DVardysShadow

What tools do you have available?

And, er, how much food and water?

maninthestreet

DVardysShadow wrote: »

What tools do you have available?

And, er, how much food and water?

...and a bucket for when 'nature calls'?

esuhl

Well, after scratching my head for a bit I realised that I was going to have to break something. I had a phone (but front & back doors were locked) and was on the first floor, with lots of plant pots, a bird table, and metal/wood bench below so jumping wasn't an option.

I had a pack of screwdrivers, so I was torn between trying to split the bit of wood off the doorframe so I could access the latch, or just kicking the door down.

I went for kicking the door down (worked first time - I feel so manly!)

The door has split from top to bottom on the thin side you can't see when it's closed - weakened by the screws that were holding the latch in place. Maybe I can get some wood glue and clamp it together in the hope I can get away without replacing it... But the screws holding the latch in would be right on the split, so I guess they won't hold. So, my next question:

Where do I get a door from?! I don't have a car... Can I buy one mail order...? Are they standard sizes?

DVardysShadow

Yes, doors are standard sizes. Whether your doorframe is standard too is the real question. Order a suitable door from a builder's merchant. You could try B&Q etc - I don't know about delivery. But bear in mind the more retail oriented outlets have a restricted range of sizes compared to the trade outlets

Leif

Doors are standard sizes, but that isn't to say that it will fit the frame. You'll probably have to trim the door. Companies such as Wickes deliver doors. I had three delivered today. The cheap ones are fairly light, being made from hardboard over a light frame, so you could easily carry one home, if you live not too far from a Wickes, B&Q or whoever. The delivery man carried two at once into the house and I carried t'other.

esuhl

Thanks - the nearest hardware shop is too far to walk with or without a door, but I'd completely forgotten about the existence of places like Wickes and B&Q (duh!).

I'll measure up, and I have a jigsaw that I can use to trim the door, if necessary (probably not ideal for sawing a straight line, but I can file it down).

Thanks again for the suggestions! :-)

Steve_the_fitter

sit down for a minute and have a cup of tea. your mind is all over the place after being locked in your own front room and having to take what sounds like a flying kick at it to break your way out.
It sounds like you could concur anything today but are you sure you are up for fitting a new door with a jigsaw and a file??

Leif

I think a professional would charge ~£40 to hang a door. Get someone to recommend someone, and then get a quote for supplying and hanging a basic door. Then they can carry it for you in their van. You won't be able to trim a few mm of the sides of the door using a jig saw. I spent £70 on a plane. And then you need something to support the door while you plane it. It'd be cheaper for you to pay a RELIABLE trades person.

ic

Toolstation is a good place to pick up a cheap door - they do the full wickes range, cheaper than wickes.