Exterior Door Latch Stuck?

Fixing a stuck exterior door latch

Whether the door latch is stuck, open or closed, you need a way to get your door functioning properly. Here are some possible issues you may be experiencing.

1. Misaligned Strike Plate
2. Jammed Latch
3. Broken Internal Mechanism

These may not be exact reasons as to why your exterior door latch is stuck, but these are the most common issues.

Misaligned Strike Plate

If your exterior door latch is stuck, a misaligned strike plate might be the reason why. This issue occurs when there is too much moisture, which in return, expands the wood of your door. Or it could be an issue with the foundation of your home not being secure enough.

Jammed Latch

Again, as a result of moisture, rust can accumulate inside the lock, as well as on the latch bolt. As a result of more moisture, the friction increases between the latch and the lock, due to the metal bits of the lock attempting to slide past one another. This can impede the spring’s movement and ultimately, lead to your exterior door latch being stuck.

Broken Internal Mechanism

If your door latch is stuck only when you attempt to move the handle (both when the door is open and closed), it’s more than likely that the spindle is broken. A spindle connects the door handles on either side of your door together, meaning if this is broken, the handle is not sending any information to the latch.

How To Unstick a Door Latch

There are a few ways you can unstick a door latch yourself. One of these includes:

The Debit Card Method

There's one method you'll come across when searching for solutions online - The debit card method. It involves sliding a plastic card between the door and the frame where the latch is located. This could force back the latch and result in the door opening. However, we advise against using this DIY method. You would need to be extremely careful when doing this, as sliding in the card forcefully while shaking the door can cause potential damage to the internal mechanisms inside the latch.

Fixing the exterior door latch

There’s always the option to try and fix it yourself, but it’s a tricky job and one that will benefit from the nimble hands of an expert who operates in the field of locksmithing. That’s where LockRite comes in.

With years of experience helping people get back into their homes, garages or offices, there’s no job too big or small that we can’t handle.

If you’ve got an exterior door latch stuck, we will send one of our many talented locksmiths to come and help you. They will remove all the guesswork and hassle from you trying to fix it yourself, as well as give you multiple options on how it can be solved.

By choosing us to help solve your issue, you’re going with the best.

So, if your exterior door latch is stuck, please feel free to contact us on 0800 0612 677 for a free, no obligation quote.

Or alternatively, enter the first part of your postcode below, to find a mobile locksmith near you, now!