doorsstuck
[latch bolt still in door jamb
The latch bolt for my exterior door is stuck inside the door jamb. I have removed both door handles, but can't get the door open to get at the latch plate or strike plate. Short of taking the entire door off the hinges (it's 10 degrees in MN…), other suggestions?
I believe it's a Kwikset Titan lock.
If I understand correctly, it is probably just a pressure fit. You should be able to pry it so it comes straight out the edge of the door from where the cylinder sits. This picture is just of a normal doorknob, but same principle applies.
If you just want the bathroom door held closed, remove the latch mechanism totally, install a dummy knob and use a magnetic closure to hold the door in place.
You do not even need the magnet to touch the matched plate on the stronger ones. If you are using a bit of foam or a vinyl bumper on the door itself, adjust the magnet back from the plate until it is about 1/16 inch away. It will hold without a click.
If you need a lock for other times, use a surface mounted privacy bolt.
Best Answer
This isn't a recent post but I thought my experience might help someone. I had a similar situation where the knobs were off but the latch wouldn't release. It seems the transmission plate came unattached from the latch somewhere inside the mechanism, so sliding it back with a screwdriver did nothing.
I tried to take the door off the hinges but it wouldn't budge even with significant force. I have an older door with a 5 inch backset so the latch was very long and perhaps helped to hold the door tight even with the hinge pins out.
Ultimately I got out my Dremel multi max with a wood/metal blade attachment, slotted it between the door and jamb at the face plate and sawed through the bolt. I really didn't think that would work, but the cheap Kwikset bolt was partially hollow and didn't provide a lot of resistance. If you go this route you'll want to dig the cut piece out of the bolt hole with a screwdriver and not your finger, as it will be quite hot from cutting through.