This just started today. I have to turn the knob in order for the latch to retract. Before, I could just push to door shut and the latch would retract when it hit the plate on the door frame. But now it just hits hard against it. Other than that, the door knob works perfect. You may have a deadlocking latch bolt, which in addition to a normal door latch has a plunger. When this plunger is retracted (which happens when the door is closed), the spring loaded mechanism on the latch is disabled. This prevents someone from using the credit card trick to open the door from the outside, so the only way to open the door is by unlocking it and turning the knob. In other words, it's for security. My guess, assuming this is an external locking door, is that this plunger is either jammed or some of the internal mechanisms that it activates have jammed. You can unscrew the door knob and remove both sides, then unscrew the latch and pull it out of the door. From there, try some lubricant (silicone spray and graphite powder are my preferred lubricants for locks, WD-40 will quickly dry and attract dirt).
And if it still doesn't work, it's probably time to go to the store to pickup a new doorknob. The answer provided by @BMitch is good, but here's another suggestion: Check to see that the plate on the door frame is actually making contact with the angled part of the latch. It's possible that due to thermal expansion or contraction of the door or frame, the plate is now striking the latch on the non-angled part causing it not to retract. The exact same thing happened to us last week. We called Schlage, the manufacturer, and they said that part of the internal mechanism was broken. Because they warranty the mechanism for life, they sent us a new mechanism with instructions on how to install it. It arrived just a few days later, and installing it was a simple task. Now we can just push the door shut again without having to turn the knob. The latch bold was sticking on my front door. It's a schlage dead latch. I called the company after fiddling with it. Something had clearly gone wrong with the latch itself.
After a little time on hold I got through to customer service. She was able to determine what model I had because there is no model number anywhere on the thing. Long story short my product and possibly yours has a life time warranty on parts. She put the order in and true to their word 5 business days later the latch showed up and I just finished installing it. No problems, it's not hard to do. FYI Customer service number is 1-888-805-9837. and there was no charge. The part you are refering to is a hardened pin designed to prevent someone from cutting the latch with a hacksaw to gain entry. It is a part of the backset mechanisim. The backset will need to be replaced. Most are lifetime guaranteed for mechanical defect, and commonly replaced by the manufacturer, or purchased at most building supply stores. I work in such a place on Vancouver Island in Canada. This is a very common problem, with a very easy remedy. The tongue of the door latch leading from my garage to the kitchen began malfunctioning just as described above.
It would retract when either knob was turned, but not when attempting to close the door without turning a knob. After reading everything written above, I concluded that I was looking at replacing some or all of the internal mechanism. With that realization in mind, I decided to just hit the thing a few times with a hammer. Unbelieveably, that seems to have worked, and now the tongue isn't sticking any more. Thank you for your interest in this question. Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count). Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?Browse other questions tagged doors lock or ask your own question. All articles about 'Cost information' Attend a home with a jammed lock or where the customer is locked out Locked yourself out of the house or got a jammed lock? While it can be tempting to try to pick or fix a lock yourself, locksmith Paul Flanagan from AHL Locksmiths in Isleworth, Middlesex strongly advises against it.
“Trying to pick or fix a lock yourself, or asking a well-meaning friend to help, usually causes further damage to the door, frame or lock,” says Paul. “Most often, you won’t succeed in getting back into the house or fixing the lock, and you’ll be lumbered with the extra expense of further repairs.” How can I make it cheaper? Call a qualified and recommended professional, such as a locksmith from Which? You can fix a price and be sure you won’t be overcharged. “Crooked locksmiths offering emergency services often give vulnerable customers a cheap quote and then charge more once they complete the job,” says Paul. Never attempt to open a lock using a credit card as you will damage your card and fail to open the lock. This only works in the movies! Change a uPVC door lock unit, handle or cylinder “uPVC doors (plastic doors that are often double-glazed) have locks, handles and cylinders that look similar,” explains locksmith Paul, “but they’re actually all different sizes.
Plus, some units are obsolete.” Don’t try to buy and change these parts yourself, as you may damage the door. Hire a trusted local locksmith to change the faulty uPVC door parts. “Avoid using a double glazing company,” says Paul, “as some will insist on changing the whole door rather than the faulty part or mechanism.” Retailers will sell gladly sell you a uPVC door lock unit, handle or cylinder but may not refund your money if you unsuccessfully attempt to fit the part yourself. Change locks at a new property The biggest risk and expense is failing to change the locks when you move into a new property. If you get burgled and there is no sign of damage, your insurance company may refuse to pay because you neglected to secure your home. “This is a locksmithing job you can’t afford to neglect,” says Paul. If you have just moved in to a new home, consider installing a safe for valuable documents and items. “Avoid a costly burglary by changing at least one lock on external doors,” says Paul.
A good locksmith will give you advice about what type of lock is most appropriate. Ask them to fit a lock that meets British Standard ‘BS 3261’. Windows ought to be secured with key-operated locks in order to satisfy insurers. Read more about locks for different types of windows. Before , ask your insurer what ‘grade’ of lock they require. If the wrong lock is fitted, your insurance company could use it as a reason not to pay out in the event of a claim. Fix a jammed antique cabinet lock which will not lock or unlock “Often, I visit customers who have attempted to force the lock with a pair of pliers or a screwdriver,” says Paul. “This can cause extra damage to the lock.” Also, if the furniture becomes scratched or dented, there is the added expense of a cabinet maker to repair the damage. “A good locksmith can pick the lock very easily, without causing further damage to your antique cabinet,” says Paul. Call three locksmiths from Which? Trusted Traders and ask for a fixed price quote.
Check the keys for all of the locks in your home, particularly antique keys. A damaged key will jam your lock, resulting in an unnecessary visit from a locksmith.” Fix a multi-point locking mechanism on uPVC doors or windows “Sometimes a multi-point lock can become hard to double lock by lifting up the handle,” says Paul. “If you carry on forcing the lock, it is likely to jam in the shut position. Repairing this usually means the purchase and installation of a complete lock unit which is very expensive.” “Hire a reputable locksmith to realign the locks and frame points. This is a specialist job which can only be undertaken by a locksmith, but isn’t expensive,” says Paul. “Once complete, the lock will be easy to use, with no risk of a jam locking you out.” His final tip is "Worn handles on uPVC windows and doors with multi-point locks should be replaced straight away because when they break, you won’t be able to open or close the door." Find a locksmith in your local area.