How To Fix A Loose Front Door Lock

A loose door lock can cause problems with how easy you find it is to open your door.

How to fix a loose front door lock.

That s because modern door hardware uses a hidden mechanism called a detent to fasten the doorknob that can only be released using a small screwdriver tip or the end of a paper clip depending on your style of hardware. If your doorknobs feel a little loose and jiggly you may need to tighten either the lock set for most modern doorknobs or the knob itself on older mortise style passage locks pictured below. It s best to tighten the lock as soon as you notice that it is becoming loose to prevent more serious problems down the line. This is a problem common to every home with a frequently used twist style keyed doorknob but you can fix it in a matter of minutes even if you have no prior experience in using basic tools.

1 loosen the setscrew on the knob s shank. As i mentioned earlier on loose door knobs and loose door handles are not necessarily very difficult to fix but you have to make sure that you fix them in a timely manner and that you know what you are doing. Loose door locks and loose door knobs can leave a gap in your security if they are left unattended. Some of the components in question are the set screw the fastener and also the spindle that connects both halves of your doorknob door lock or door handle.

You can tighten a simple interior mortise lockset like the one shown at left as follows. If you re having trouble opening your door lock it s best to also make sure that it is clean and free from dirt or rust. The detent is a spring activated pin concealed or small thin plate attached to the spindle that protrudes into a doorknob notch which prevents rotation. 2 hold the knob on the other side of the door and turn the loose knob clockwise until it.

Door knobs may become loose over time. So here s what you have to do. Another common reason for loose door locks is that the internal components are not connecting the way they should and this results in a loose door lock door handle or door knob. Door locks can work themselves loose with extended use.