Starting about a week ago, the latch on my back door knob won't retract into the doorknob unless I turn the doorknob. This means to close my door properly I have to unlock the doorknob, turn it, close the door, then lock it again.
If I try to just close it, the latch won't retract and just bangs against the door frame. If I try to push the latch closed with my hand, it (mostly) won't budge. If I fiddle with it enough, I am able to push it in, but usually this doesn't work.
Is this just a possible issue that lubrication will solve? Or am I looking at replacing my doorknob/lock?
Best Answer
I think a little lubrication will fix this. Try turning the knob so the latch is retracted and spraying a little lube into the hole where the latch goes. Use the little straw that comes with the spray can, and get it as far in as you can. Spray very sparingly. Then turn the knob back and forth to work the latch. See if it's working any better, and repeat if necessary. A shot in the keyhole as well won't hurt, while you're at it.
If this doesn't do it, you may have to remove the doorknob / lockset and remove the latch to apply the lubricant more thoroughly - but I doubt it will be necessary.
For the lubricant - some people agonize over what to use, I do not, WD-40 or a good quality silicone spray will be fine.