How Do You Open a Door When the Handle Falls Off?

If your door lever handle or knob falls off or becomes loose and unable to retract the latch from the door strike, then opening a door without the handle becomes a question. While opening a door without a handle might seem difficult or impossible, it’s actually a feat that can be pulled. 
A knob or lever handle has a metal connecting rod – a spindle – that runs through the door and connects both handles. When the handles become loosen around the spindle, the spring-loaded latch mechanism won’t retract from the strike.
Whether you are stuck in a room or on the other side due to a broken handle or knob, these 3 techniques from the expert residential locksmiths at Colorado Springs Locksmith should help you disengage the lock.

Using a Knife

• Get a putty knife or butter knife and insert it between the door and the strike plate.
• To pinpoint where the door latches, keep sliding in the knife until you feel it end out on the door latch.
• Push the knife into the strike until you’re able to slide the bolt out of the door strike. This method should work if the space between the door and the strike plate accommodates the/a knife.

When There Are Visible Screws

• Remove the screws that attach the rose plate onto the door with a screwdriver.
• Grab and remove the handle. Depending on the design, you may have to either pull out or slide the handle off the spindle.
• With one side of the mechanism exposed, use a screwdriver to push the other side of the knob from the door. 
• Screw in the screwdriver into the spindle’s hole and then turn it clockwise to release the latch from the door strike.

When Screws are Hidden

• Find a tiny hole located somewhere around the handle or knob’s neck.
• Release the handle by inserting a small flat-head screwdriver or tiny pin into the hole.
• Pull the handle or knob off the spindle to have access to the screws.
• After unscrewing the screws, use a plier to grasp the spindle and then turn it clockwise. This step will retract the latch from the door strike.

Regardless of the method you used, you have to fix the broken door handle or knob quickly. This will help you from getting stuck again in the room or the other side in the future. For a lasting solution, however, you may have to let a qualified residential locksmith look into the issue. A locksmith will inspect the situation and determine whether the door knob or handle needs to be replaced.

Need a Competent Locksmith? Contact Colorado Springs Locksmith Today

At Colorado Springs Locksmith, we have licensed, insured and bonded locksmiths who provide emergency services. If you don’t feel comfortable tinkering with your door lock, then give us a call. 
A qualified mobile locksmith from Colorado Springs Locksmith will be with you immediately to get you the needed help. Our service professionals are also available for lock installation, lock replacement, key duplication, key replacement, and other locksmith services. Contact us now to learn more about our services.