Doors and Windows - I need door latch help.

I have a new door that has been working for 9 months. The other day the latch stopped working. I used to be able to just give the door a push and it would shut but now it just bounces back as if the deadbolt is sticking out. The only way I can shut the door is to turn the handle and shut it. Does anyone know why this happens? I am about ready to take a hammer to it! HELP. Nanerzstew

Sometimes the latch will get a little bent and instead of withdrawing into the door like it's supposed to, it will instead bend back and get jammed. You probably just need to get a replacement plunger for your latch.

If it's a cheapo knob set, you might not be able to find a replacement.

Try lubricating the latch where it slides into the edge of the door.

Hi, Does the latch work if you work it with your hand? If it does gently close the door and see if the latch will work if you give it a little help by pushing the latch in with your finger. If the latch seems OK try to bend the strike plate out a little so it makes contact sooner and hits the bevel on the latch. Some time warmer weather will cause a shift on the jamb and cause a problem like that.
Good Luck Woodbutcher

Thank you for the advice. The latch doesn't move at all if you try to push it in. It only works when you turn the door knob.

nanerzstgew,

In the 20+ years that I have lived in my current house, I have had to replace two locksets that had the exact same symptom you described....couldn't push the latch in except by turning the handle. One was a Kwikset and the other was a Schlage. No manner of probing, lubing, and playing with them made them work again.

If you find a fix, please let me know. If not, you may just want to go to the big box store nearest you and pick up a new one.

Good luck,

Thank you Randy. This door handle is a kwikset. :( Not the knob kind but the handle kind. I think that it is probably not worth the trouble to fix it but to just replace it. Nanerz