How to Repair and Replace a Doorknob Lock? 

When your doorknob has a problem that you can’t fix, you may need to replace it. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from mechanical failures to just plain wear and tear. There are several ways to go about repairing your doorknob lock, and most involve replacing some or all of the components in the lock assembly. 

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First, you need to determine what part of the lock is causing the issue. The most common reason for a doorknob to fail is a broken spring inside the latch mechanism. The broken spring prevents the strike plate from engaging, thus keeping your door closed. 

You can often repair the broken spring by replacing it. However, this isn’t always the best solution. Sometimes the spring can’t be replaced or is too small to fit through the strike plate and onto the key cylinder. If this is the case, you’ll need to have a locksmith take a look at your lock and replace it. 

If the spring is still in good condition, you can try to lubricate it. You can use WD-40 or other dry lubricants that can be easily sprayed into the mechanism to help it function properly again. 

Another way to lubricate your doorknob is to squirt a bit of graphite into the seam around the latch or thumb button. This will make the friction between the mechanism and the lock toggle or button more pronounced, allowing the lock to open and close more smoothly. 

Then, test it to see if it works correctly. If it does, you can reinstall the lock, but you’ll need to make sure that the faceplate screw is in place before reinstalling the knob or lever. 

Occasionally, the screws that attach the doorknob faceplate to the lock face can loosen. The screws can be reachable on a lever-style handle, but they’re usually hidden beneath the knob on round doorknobs. This is especially true of older locks that have recessed screws. 

Once the screws have been replaced, you can reinstall the faceplate and the lock. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver or a cordless drill with a bit extender to secure the faceplate to the lock. 

You should also check that the striker bolt is in place, which is a metal bar that runs vertically through the doorknob hole and is secured by the mounting bolts. If the striker bolt is loose, you’ll have to replace it and re-tighten the mounting bolts. 

If you’re able to reinstall the faceplate without breaking it, you can then install your new knob or lever. Be aware that this will probably require some drilling and cutting on the door itself, so plan ahead. 

Getting a broken lockout of your door isn’t an easy task, but you can do it with a little patience and some basic tools. A couple of methods, including those below, can allow you to unlock your lock from the outside and get into the house while a professional locksmith is taking a look at it.