Thumb Latch Door Handle Won't Retract - SOLVED! Household Hack

My thumb latch door handle wouldn't fully retract. I this video we'll see how to remove and clean the unit. I'll be romving and cleaning a Kwikset door handle/
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Пікірлер: 136

  • @AverageMe
    @AverageMe3 жыл бұрын

    Sometimes it's surprising how a simple cleaning can solve mechanical problems. Of course, once your handle is off, you could easily replace it by reversing these steps.

  • @kgm5899
    @kgm5899 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video! It gave me the courage to try fixing our door by myself! I ended up having to completely disassemble it because a spring mechanism was loose, but I'm proud to say once I saw it, it was an easy fix and not as daunting as I thought it was going to be!!

  • @Tallthing53
    @Tallthing53 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for explicitly sharing your observations & thought process. Many experts are not teachers and take for granted the little steps they forget to pass along. You’re right about the cleaning. My front door Baldwin thumb latch would not easily depress. Opened it up to find both a spider egg nest AND an old mud wasp installation! A good brush out and puff or two of graphite and I feel so empowered! Thank you.

  • @CliftonPhotographer

    @CliftonPhotographer

    6 ай бұрын

    I think I actually saw them selling graphite at my local Dollar Tree. Like everything, I was thinking about buying it but have to check my supplies first because I'm pretty sure I have some.

  • @lisavavouleas6612
    @lisavavouleas66122 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! I used WD-40. I took the part outside and sprayed everything. I let it soak for a while, then used Q-tips to get into the parts to clean out all the dirt and gunk. Wiped everything off real good. Put it all back together and I was amazed! I’ve been fighting with this door for months. It now opens the way it should. I am not a carpenter by no means & your video really helped me! Thank you!

  • @laurachavez8789

    @laurachavez8789

    Жыл бұрын

    o

  • @MelissaZimmermannVA
    @MelissaZimmermannVA Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video! It was very helpful and kept me from having to completely replace our handle (yet...) I'm a newbie at home repair and this video was very easy to follow. Thanks again!

  • @MountainManFred
    @MountainManFred Жыл бұрын

    I did this today on a slightly different assy. I went back with some clear grease I had around. I didn't overdo it, but put enough to smooth the action. Mine was also one that the mechanism could be turned 180*..did that and works like a champ! thx for posting..

  • @davidwimberley5026
    @davidwimberley5026 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! Makes it simple. And it's a thorough cleaning. But just be aware, if you're in a hurry, don't have much time, you probably don't have to do all that to get it to work. I only had to tighten everything up (the inside screws and outside screws.

  • @jayjacobs2173
    @jayjacobs21732 жыл бұрын

    The brass piece is the problem. It's too soft and that cup shape should be a half moon. The mechanism wears into it and the turning of the handle will open the latch less and less. Adjusting and cleaning will help slightly but it will only be temporary. It's a poor design; that piece should be hardened and the contact surface is too small resulting in high pressure at the contact point.

  • @ameranadianveteran860

    @ameranadianveteran860

    2 жыл бұрын

    Holy smokes!!!! You are right on! Just pulled the mechanism apart. There is a pile of metal dust beneath it. The half-moon part gouged an obvious notch into the piece that actuates the mechanism! You can easily compare the 2 sides of the piece to see the difference! What engineer chose soft metal for this part!? That’s shameful as far as I’m concerned. I’m going to have to get a new piece from the manufacturer or a whole new unit.I wish I could post a picture as mine is wickedly obvious. Junk metal.

  • @briandolan5519

    @briandolan5519

    6 ай бұрын

    Yes, finding that worn replacement parts difficult so far. But that is the exact problem I have. Groove in the half round spindle

  • @thingsbyme
    @thingsbyme11 ай бұрын

    Thank you! The info in how to remove the knob in this video saved me from having to buy a whole new set!

  • @edbouhl3100
    @edbouhl31003 жыл бұрын

    I probably wouldn’t have tried that, but after being lubed my lock does work again! Thanks very much!

  • @jonathanday5951
    @jonathanday59512 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the post! My front door opens with ease now.

  • @orangejab_
    @orangejab_3 жыл бұрын

    Hello! Thank u for this video, i managed to fix our house’s door handle. I thought it was going to be super complicated but it turns out it just needed a little tightening, cleaning and some lubricant! 😃

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cool! I was glad that's I mine needed, as well. Thanks for sharing!

  • @keithwhatley5094
    @keithwhatley50942 жыл бұрын

    I'm a locksmith. The problem is that latches worn-out. Like another person commented it's not a half moon anymore it's actually getting those outer edges where the half moon was eating away so the longer you use it the more it will eat away and eventually it will not work any longer and you will be forced to replace the latch.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm sure you're right, but if we can clean it and get a little more use out of it, I'll go for that. Thanks for your comment, I'll be trying my hand at re-keying a lock soon! Maybe it'll give you a laugh, maybe a thumbs up.

  • @keithwhatley5094

    @keithwhatley5094

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Average Me oh yeah there's no need to replace it prematurely. You did the same thing I would have done. You won't have a trouble doing a rekey. It's not complicated, there's just a little bit of dexterity involved.

  • @larryb51

    @larryb51

    Жыл бұрын

    Ha ha! If I had read all the comments I would have come to this conclusion a lot sooner. BTW, the thumb style handle this entry door causes this latch to wear primarily on one side because the thumb lever rotates the shaft one direction only. Rotating the interior knob would bet the latch open all the way turning it one direction, but only part way the other. Unfortunately, that won't help some one stuck outside on a cold winter's night. I decided to replace it before one of the kids got lock out!

  • @carolynlange4518
    @carolynlange45183 жыл бұрын

    This. Was. SO HELPFUL. Thank you thank you thank you!!! I was about to call a handyman and you just saved me so much money!!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Carolyn you are too kind! Thank you for the generous gift. I am glad you found this to be helpful!

  • @JBGoode697
    @JBGoode6972 жыл бұрын

    Great video and quick fix for me. Thanks so much!

  • @tjp1451
    @tjp14513 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I have been stuck outside of my house for a week and now I can finally get back in!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Clever!

  • @jessieatkins4361

    @jessieatkins4361

    Жыл бұрын

    Door slammed from wind....Locked out. Thankful my son was here. Going to fix tonight!

  • @rogerthat24
    @rogerthat24Ай бұрын

    Nice video. Thanks! I'm going to try this. If that stops working again, I'm just going to grind the bold down to make it shorter.

  • @tinman10
    @tinman102 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. This is exactly what I needed

  • @endconnr
    @endconnr Жыл бұрын

    You seem like a sweetheart. I am going to try to fix my door now, with my new confidence, instilled in me by this video!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    Жыл бұрын

    Good luck! ANd thanks.

  • @ricepicker2000
    @ricepicker20002 жыл бұрын

    Worked for me!! Thanks for this 👍🏼 I was going to dismantle and determine why, but fell on this video just as I was about to start taking it out. Ended up cleaning everything out with brake cleaner (lever part, the other parts as well). Then added oil and WD40 to everything that I thought needed it. Moves smoothly now. That gunk probably added up everywhere messing with the tolerances.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    Brake cleaner sounds like a good solution (pun intended). Thanks!

  • @jacksmith2315

    @jacksmith2315

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oil an wd40 is a good idea. Oil to lubricant and wd40 to keep the water out since thats what its really for, no really a lubricant. Thats actually what wd stands for water displacement 40 different uses. Believe thats what the 40 is. Definitely what the wd stands for.

  • @Mr123santa
    @Mr123santa8 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Amazingly simply. Really appreciate the video.

  • @ABEairsoft
    @ABEairsoft2 жыл бұрын

    This worked!! Thank you SO MUCH

  • @BB-re6nz
    @BB-re6nz Жыл бұрын

    Watching this a year late. My father in law had this same issue and the locksmith charged $250 for a new door handle/lock. The same one you had

  • @lucasharris4209
    @lucasharris42092 жыл бұрын

    Going to try this. Thanks

  • @baby-sheesh
    @baby-sheesh8 ай бұрын

    This worked for me, thank you!

  • @robmartin1064
    @robmartin1064 Жыл бұрын

    Fixed my door thank you!

  • @Soonandverysoon7
    @Soonandverysoon73 жыл бұрын

    Sharing since we have a similar problem, though it's a deadbolt lock.

  • @martinlachapelle9762
    @martinlachapelle97625 ай бұрын

    Thank you sir, you solved my problem 🤝

  • @mr.merriman7505
    @mr.merriman7505 Жыл бұрын

    Job complete. Wife happy. Thank you!

  • @ryanfrisby7389
    @ryanfrisby73893 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video Mark! I swear, you are one of the most creative people out there!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm just curious and cheap, lol!

  • @ryanfrisby7389

    @ryanfrisby7389

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe lol

  • @natalya6091

    @natalya6091

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ryanfrisby7389 Agreed.Enjoy your Tuesday, dear Ryan.

  • @ryanfrisby7389

    @ryanfrisby7389

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@natalya6091 thanks, you as well! Going to enjoy the day off as they closed my office to to the ice in Kentucky

  • @natalya6091

    @natalya6091

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ryanfrisby7389 lol

  • @Mr.Worf63
    @Mr.Worf632 жыл бұрын

    I put some Vaseline & WD40 on the latch mechanism and it works much more smoothly. The outside thumb mechanism is pulling the latch farther in now. Thank You !! 👍

  • @Debra11
    @Debra113 жыл бұрын

    Good old soap and water works for a quick clean. Silicone spray to top it off makes things work after that.

  • @jacksmith2315
    @jacksmith23152 жыл бұрын

    As far as lubricants, depends on the situation and atmosphere. Grease if its not dusty n dirty since the grease is just going to collect it all, thats when i like to use silicon spray or graphite spray. Working in an automotive shop, its crazy how many different types of lubricants there are

  • @r.r.2573
    @r.r.2573 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this

  • @MrBeastmania
    @MrBeastmania Жыл бұрын

    I swapped a latch off another door in the house and now both work great. Just letting you know in case some one else needs help

  • @Starry_Night_Sky7455

    @Starry_Night_Sky7455

    Жыл бұрын

    Good 💡 idea

  • @billycolquhoun4264
    @billycolquhoun426425 күн бұрын

    Thank you sir 🍻

  • @EricaLoudon16
    @EricaLoudon162 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!! And I love your hm plaque!!!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I have Disney videos scattered throughout my channel if you're a Disney fan. That HM plaque now has a new home here in Florida! kzread.info/head/PLB23kOactPIaPGTras2O4iZw98K7cW-iH kzread.info/head/PLB23kOactPIZMLY7si_eYj8M9vMvuXRur kzread.info/head/PLB23kOactPIa2PTpgfzTOub5EyntKGC9Z

  • @EricaLoudon16

    @EricaLoudon16

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes!! I'll definitely look! Cool thanks

  • @natalya6091
    @natalya60913 жыл бұрын

    " Truth is ever to be found in simplicity and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things" Isaak Newton Simplify. Thank you!!!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Keepin' it simple!

  • @natalya6091

    @natalya6091

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe Keepin'it curious! Thank you, dear Mark.

  • @jacksmith2315

    @jacksmith2315

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe when in doubt follow the kiss system. Keep it simple stupid haha. My old man used to say that

  • @tychodancer
    @tychodancer2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Benappy253
    @Benappy2533 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding video and I have resolved my issue!, HATS OFF SIR 🥂CHEERS ! Single gal here trying to budget on repair and DYI. Also I used the new WD GEL LUBRICANT worked like a charm.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! You made my day

  • @jacksmith2315

    @jacksmith2315

    2 жыл бұрын

    The wd gel is good, but in a situation where dust and stuff collect the gel may hold more grit and grim. If it happens again try something that dried but still lubricates. Like a dry graphite spray. But good job taking it apart and fixing it yourself. Always good to hear stories of independent woman repairing and replacing stuff themselves.

  • @mts3857
    @mts38573 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @hondata70
    @hondata703 жыл бұрын

    Me not knowing how stuff works, when they brake I just take apart, I tell my self what’s the worst that can happen it’s already broken. Lol. And for the most part I can fix it! Just remember the way you took it apart it’s the way it goes back together just reverse order. You’ll save a hole lot of money just by trying.

  • @jalpro7997
    @jalpro79973 жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @crazaholic1968
    @crazaholic1968 Жыл бұрын

    I have the same problem. Was planning to replace the lock. But now will give this a try.

  • @aaronbaraiya3692

    @aaronbaraiya3692

    Жыл бұрын

    How did it go? I'm gonna give it a try as well

  • @crazaholic1968

    @crazaholic1968

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aaronbaraiya3692 I took it apart. Applied some WD-40 but still the latch was kind of stuck. Ended up buying a replacement latch from Amazon for $20 including shipping. That fixed the problem. Easy install. Sorry about the late reply I just fixed it two days ago.

  • @aaronbaraiya3692

    @aaronbaraiya3692

    Жыл бұрын

    @Craza holic ok thanks 😊

  • @dwiseman50
    @dwiseman502 жыл бұрын

    Ty lifesaver buddy!!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Dan!

  • @JenniferandMark2014
    @JenniferandMark20143 жыл бұрын

    Moving day is fast approaching 😁Jenn

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yesterday! Today we are in Florida.

  • @JenniferandMark2014

    @JenniferandMark2014

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe Woo Hoo!! Living the dream!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JenniferandMark2014 -25 actual temp in Wisconsin, 82 here. So far I made the right choice!

  • @philc1884
    @philc18849 ай бұрын

    Hi, my issue is the passage latch no longer springs back seamlessly when it contacts the face plate. I have to turn the handle on either side just slightly now. It's happened before and I've just bought a new mechanism but thought maybe there was a fix? thank you!

  • @ItIsColdHere
    @ItIsColdHere4 ай бұрын

    Alternatively, if you don’t want to take everything apart, spray some oil into the latch mechanism…the side where your thumb presses. Worked like a charm for me.

  • @joeschmoe5009
    @joeschmoe50092 жыл бұрын

    I was thinking maybe id try spraying brake clean to clean out the old grease

  • @sydneym.778
    @sydneym.7782 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video. I have had issues with the mechanism not retracting for over a year now and sometimes I can hardly get into the house when it's unlocked because it won't retract and I have to use two hands to push down the lever and to push the door open. It's a scary situation. Could it possibly be that the spring needs replacing besides lubrication? Can you buy a spring for that door handle?

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    I would just get an entirely new one. Handle/latch mechanisms are not very expensive. If it’s can follow this video, you can put a new one in place.

  • @sydneym.778

    @sydneym.778

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe Thank you Average Me! I really appreciate your video and response. My situation has been stressing me out for a long time and I didn't know where to start. After watching your video I feel like I have the courage now to take the handle apart to lubricate it and see if that works.❤️

  • @jacksmith2315

    @jacksmith2315

    2 жыл бұрын

    It sounds like there may be something jamming up in there if its that hard to operate. Doesnt hurt to take it apart and try, but it may have to be replaced. Good luck with your repair

  • @sydneym.778

    @sydneym.778

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jacksmith2315 Thanks!

  • @onenikkione
    @onenikkione2 жыл бұрын

    I've never seen a lock-set come a part by pushing down on that lever @ 1:06 - learned something new. Probably best to use a dry-graphite type lube made for locks, not oil. (CRC Dry Graphite Lube, 3-in-1 Dry Lube for Locks, B'laster Industrial Dry Lubricant, Wd-40 Dirt and Dust Resistant Dry Lube to name a few)

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great suggestions! Thank you

  • @natalya6091
    @natalya60913 жыл бұрын

    Wow...the second...how nice to meet everybody again here.

  • @jimmcdiarmid7308
    @jimmcdiarmid73083 жыл бұрын

    Where r u Mark, missing you on Travel Time

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    I've been busy with the move.

  • @bl9531
    @bl95313 жыл бұрын

    Thx for posting - see the spring on the top of the mechanism at 3:00? Mine had accumulated some gunk. I cleaned that up - sprayed the mechanism with WD40 and voila!

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing what a good internal cleaning can do!

  • @frankd9015

    @frankd9015

    3 жыл бұрын

    Is it easy to put it back on? I'm afraid to take apart mine and not able to put it back on correctly!

  • @bl9531

    @bl9531

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@frankd9015 pretty easy to perform a simple clean and lubrification. The only way to learn is by doing!

  • @sydneym.778

    @sydneym.778

    2 жыл бұрын

    Is it possible that the spring on top of the mechanism needs replacing. Thanks for mentioning the spring.

  • @bl9531

    @bl9531

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sydneym.778 I suppose the spring could need replacing but that doesn’t seem likely. Then again, it’s not like I am some kind of expert lol. I learn because I am not afraid of failure- the only way to learn is to try -

  • @HoroRH
    @HoroRH11 ай бұрын

    umm, no. for me it was never about oil, but after 25+ years the cupped shaft wore a groove and that prevented full retraction of the bolt. Can the plate and shaft be replaced without buying a completely new set?

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    11 ай бұрын

    In most cases, yes. You should be able to purchase the internal compnenets.

  • @sweetrollofnirn
    @sweetrollofnirn2 жыл бұрын

    Ah ok I found another way to fix the bolt not closing all the way. I had to lock it and move the knobs at the same time with minimal strength I managed to fix it lol.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    There's more than one way to skin a cat! Nice job!

  • @kristenoconnor2464
    @kristenoconnor24642 жыл бұрын

    But what if you can’t get inside to get to the other side of the door?

  • @Doofus171
    @Doofus171 Жыл бұрын

    I worked for a homebuilder, they used these Quickset handle sets. They all failed. They are terrible.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    Жыл бұрын

    I can see why. They really shouldn't wear out like this one has.

  • @peterservon9370
    @peterservon93705 ай бұрын

    Don’t use an oil, it attracts dirt, and will lead to premature maintenance. Most of WD40 will evaporate after the pressure spray cleans away the dirt.

  • @jimmcdiarmid7308
    @jimmcdiarmid73083 жыл бұрын

    Graphite or silicone spray

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good choices. I prefer not to use graphite powder as it get's messy and glogs after a while.

  • @xinshi3090
    @xinshi30902 жыл бұрын

    Spray lubricant. So can I used wd40 here or something else? I know your generally not suppose to use it in lock. But this won’t be exposed to outside elements right?

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    In general I don’t like much liquid lubricant in a lock or latch because it attracts dirt and eventually gets gummed up again.

  • @xinshi3090

    @xinshi3090

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe yeah that’s what I’ve heard about not spraying it into locks too. What other type would you recommend?

  • @monke6776

    @monke6776

    2 жыл бұрын

    WD40 will always work for lube

  • @jacksmith2315

    @jacksmith2315

    2 жыл бұрын

    WD isnt a great lube. It will work for a short time. Use something like a dry graphite spray or silicone spray. Wipe up the access.

  • @maylh
    @maylh2 жыл бұрын

    I don't see much difference before and after.

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is hard to see since it never fully retracted, even when turned with the knob. But the door could be opened with the thumb latch after the cleaning.

  • @luismastellari7515
    @luismastellari75153 жыл бұрын

    And from the other side?

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    3 жыл бұрын

    The other side worked okay from the start. It was the push button that was not working as well. But great catch ... I really should have shown that!

  • @DarcyLewis1
    @DarcyLewis1 Жыл бұрын

    Graphite

  • @foomark
    @foomark Жыл бұрын

    It's not any better at the end. It still doesn't retract.

  • @alan4sure

    @alan4sure

    Жыл бұрын

    It retracted enough to open the door. THAT determines whether it's fixed or not.

  • @freddiejordan697
    @freddiejordan6974 ай бұрын

    😊😅😅😅z zzz

  • @dareptile2653
    @dareptile2653 Жыл бұрын

    It is annoying me because I spent about 150 for the dang thing. Mine occasionally seizes up the thumb lever won't budge and I don't want to force/damage it. What I got is much newer than what you have

  • @AverageMe

    @AverageMe

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm guessing something is occasionally getting caught inside, maybe a wood chip or something similar. I'd open it up and take a look.

  • @dareptile2653

    @dareptile2653

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AverageMe I did already and I saw the components that moved when using the thumb lever, could not put my finger on it. I used gun oil on the moving parts and it kept happening, usually 1 out of 5 times and when I'm half dressed walking the dog to come back inside at 4am. Have to access via garage. Today I went to where I got it and swapped it out, so far so good I tested it about 50 times. This is one of the new keiksets at home Depot.

  • @heatheroliver8182
    @heatheroliver8182 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @conservativeguy6569
    @conservativeguy65692 жыл бұрын

    Graphite