Had our front door repainted (simply took off hinges and then replaced). Now, when you open the door by pulling handle down the latch stays stuck such that you can't open it from the other side. You have to pull up on the handle to release it and then the door can again be opened. Any thoughts?
Doors – Latch locks when door handle pulled down
doors
Related Solutions
You can replace the doorknob hardware with a ball latch/strike plate. These can be easily pushed open and are often used for places like pantries where you don't need privacy and may have your hands full when trying to open/close the door. You'll also want to replace the doorknobs with dummy versions that don't swivel.
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The "inside" handle (on the right in the last/lower picture) will have a small spring-loaded button on the handle post (the part you don't put your hand on when opening/closing). Use an awl or equivalent tool to depress the button and remove the inside handle. Then unscrew the inside trim ring (lefty/loosey) to expose the screws that hold the whole assembly together. Tighten em up and put er back together.
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Best Answer
Are you sure the handle wasn't removed? It's certainly a slight misalignment so that the latch is binding. It could be that when it was rehung the door shifted slightly, or same thing with the handle being removed and replaced. Either way, I'd loosen the handle enough that you can shift it very slightly but have it hold the position while you test it. When you find a position that eliminates the binding (which I bet you do), retighten it. If this doesn't seem to be the problem, let me know.