HELP! door handle stuck

asparagus1968

hi,(its not an emergency,we have another loo!)

door to bathroom is stuck. seems like the "thing" that springs back and forth from handle into door frame isn't moving.
Now I presumed if I inscrewed the four screws on the corners of the handle,it would come off-but it doesn't!How do I get the handle off?
any tips/ideas?
tried credit card /WD40 etc.

thank you.

withabix

Pull a bit harder.

The spindle has probably twisted - this will probably be gripping the handle (preventing removal) and stopping the catch from opening.

asparagus1968

thanks,will try this,if not,think a trip to b and q is on the cards!

asparagus1968

oops, got the front bit of handle off,breaking off bottom of plate where lock knob was. spindle is out.
door still won't open,dead latch still there.obviously can't get to screws on inside of door !!!???

ValHaller

asparagus1968 wrote: »

. spindle is out.
door still won't open,dead latch still there

Put the spindle back into the catch unit - but not so far in it goes into the other handle. Use pliers or whatever handle you have to turn the spindle in the catch. Get the SAS in if you don't understand what I am on about.

asparagus1968

well,just back from B and Q.guy there told me to do the same ValHaller.

spindle will not turn.

Seriously peed off now

Phone number for SAS?

ValHaller

Why won't it turn? Too much pressure from a badly fitting door, springing it towards the open position and wedging the catch?

Now you have called for the SAS (you fell for that one), you might as well risk whatever damage it takes. I would suggest finding some way of pulling the door too, which should release the pressure and getting a spanner or a wrench or something serious on the spindle. Perhaps the hook of a clothes hanger under the door to pull?

DevCoder

Spray lots of WD40 into the part where the spindle goes in. Wait 30-60mins and try again, its important you don't push the spindle too far in other it will connect with the other handle.

Push comes to shove you can force the door but this will result in a lot of damage.

If its an outwards opening door (rare I know but Ive seen them) its a lot easier as you can force a blade between the latch and strike.

DevCoder

ValHaller wrote: »

Why won't it turn? Too much pressure from a badly fitting door, springing it towards the open position and wedging the catch?

Now you have called for the SAS (you fell for that one), you might as well risk whatever damage it takes. I would suggest finding some way of pulling the door too, which should release the pressure and getting a spanner or a wrench or something serious on the spindle. Perhaps the hook of a clothes hanger under the door to pull?

Also good advice, sometimes the latch is forced against the strike, puling back allows enough movement to disengage the latch.

Alan2020

Just slip a hacksaw blade and cut the bolt off, if you have an electric one a few minutes. If not try drilling it, or failing it kick the door lol or sell the house at half price :-)

ValHaller

krisdorey wrote: »

Push comes to shove you can force the door but this will result in a lot of damage.

It you come to this, consider making a largish hole in the door, slipping a piece of timber through and using that to pull the door towards you while attempting to free the catch. Better to break the door in this way and replace it than risk damaging the frame.