How to Fix a Door Knob that Turns but Doesn't Open ?

The part of a doorknob that you grasp with your hand connects to a rod that extends though the door to the knob on the other side. The rod passes through a spring-loaded mechanism that connects it to the barrel, and when you turn the handle, the rod turns the mechanism which retracts the bolt. If nothing happens when you turn the knob, it's usually because the set screw holding the knob to the rod has worked itself loose. If the bolt moves, but not enough to allow the door to open, the mechanism probably needs lubrication.

1.Look for the set screw on neck of the knob, between the handle and door. It may be on the underside of the knob.

2.Tighten the screw, using the appropriate flathead screwdriver or hex wrench. That should restore the operation of the knob. If the knob is old, the screw may be stripped or stuck. Pull off the handle and spray lubricant onto the screw to get it to turn more easily. Replace the handle and tighten the screw.

3.Disassemble the knob to lubricate the spring mechanism if the barrel doesn't retract all the way. Loosen the set screw on one of the handles and remove the two screws holding the knob together, using a Phillips screwdriver. Alternatively, if you can't see any screws, look for a notch under one of the rosettes. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the notch and pry off the rosette to expose the screws.

4.Pull the handle and rosette off of one side of the door to expose the barrel and spring mechanism. Spray the mechanism with spray lubricant while you operate the barrel with the other handle. The spring should loosen enough to allow the barrel to retract.

5. Reassemble the knob when you're satisfied with its operation. Don't forget to tighten the set screw on the handle that you removed.

Things You Will Need

Flathead screwdriver

Hex wrench

Spray lubricant

Phillips screwdriver

Degol Tip:

Paint on the edge of the door sometimes prevents the barrel from retracting. If this is the problem, clean the paint off the barrel, using a utility knife. Spraying lubricant on the end of the barrel will also help restore operation.If the set screw on the handle is stripped and difficult to tighten, replace it with a new one.