The Key Parts To Inspect First When Fixing Sticky Doorknobs

Sticky doorknobs can be super annoying if they stick when you're using them, and embarrassing if they stick when you have guests. While you can repurpose your old doorknob, try fixing it yourself before spending money on a new one. Fixing stuck doorknobs isn't usually too tricky if you know which parts to check out first. 

To fix those stuck doorknobs, first take a look at the outside of your doorknob by checking out the doorknob, the plate around it, and the area around the doorknob itself to make sure everything's clean. Grab a good all-purpose cleaner and a cleaning cloth to clean the surface then use a toothbrush to get into little crevices. 

If cleaning doesn't fix the problem, you'll want to take apart the knob to find out what's going on inside. However, before you take your doorknob apart, check out the screws with a screwdriver to see if they're loose or too tight. If they're too loose tighten them up a bit and if they're too tight loosen them a bit, then try your doorknob to see if the problem is solved. If you still have a sticky doorknob, it's time to take it apart. Unscrew the doorknob from the door to check out the insides.

Take a look at the spindle, which is the bar in the middle of the inside and outside knobs. Check to make sure it's free of any rust, that it's nice and straight, and that it's turning smoothly. Give it a quick spray with some silicone lubricant or sprinkle some graphite powder on it then grab a cloth and wipe off any extra oil. Make sure the latch and the striking plate are lined up right. If the door knob isn't working, it could be due to the latch or the strike plate. Make sure the latch is lined up right and tweak the strike plate if you need to.

Check out the internal mechanism, which includes the springs and the latch, to see if they're damaged or worn out. Clean the inside of the doorknob with a toothbrush to remove dust and dirt. Once you've wrapped up cleaning the inside bits with a brush or cloth to get rid of any dust or grime, think about swapping out any parts that look like they've seen better days. Just remember to put enough lubricant on the moving parts, but don't go overboard or you'll end up with a gummed-up doorknob. Assemble your doorknob and reinstall it. 

After repairs and cleaning, if you've still got problems it's time for a new doorknob. Look into brass doorknobs for a cleaner upgrade.