Today, something weird happened I got up and tried to open my door but the handle just kept on spinning and the door didn't open! I couldn't get out and I knocked on the door and my roomate let me out. But the knob on the inside is still broken and I'm afraid to close my door because then I'd be trapped again.
Has this ever happened to you? And also what should I do to fix my door?
2007-03-15 20:59:17 · 9 answers · asked by Lia H 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Have the landlord fix it if you are renting. Other then that I suggest you figure out how to fix it or repair it yourself. You sure do NOT want to be locked in due to fire safety as well as not being able to get to the things you will need. And heaven knows we cannot take the chance of you not answering questions on here due to being locked in either. Horrible thought!
Here are some sites to help you figure out how to fix it but you can ask any hardware store how to if you go buy a new doorknob. Good luck!
2007-03-15 21:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by The_answer_person 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interior door locks run less than ten dollar and have step by step instructions on/in the package.
Remember that is a replacement so all drilling and measuring for placement has already been done.
Basically you will need a screwdriver, (Philips head { pointed head with a little X}).
On the plate against the door itself, right in front of the handle there are two screws. Unscrew them, Turn to the left (Righty tighty, lefty loosey) and remove them. These are kind of long and go all the way through the door to catch the handle on the other face of the door. Pull off the handle on your side and look in. Note how everything seems to fit together?
Okay, reach around; remove the other handle from the opposite side of the door.
You are now left with a 2 1/2" hole with the door mechanism inside it. Move the door until you are looking at the thin edge of the door where the bolt comes out. There are two more screws here. Undo those and pull the mechanism out.
Open the box with the new lockset.
Slide in the new mechanism, tighten the screws. (Turn them to the right}.
Reach around the door and insert the exterior door handle, you may need to wiggle the mechanism to get the axle rod through the center aperture. (Square hole in the center with rounded side). Now put the other knob on. Turn the mounting plate till they align with the screw holes inside.
Push the first screw in and turn once or twice to engage threads (may take a few times to get a good alignment as it is a long screw and you can not see your target. turn the screw once or twice to feel it "bite" then gently pull back. if it is in it will not pull free, if it aint.... well)
Once both screws are in tighten them down. Turn the door handle once or twice to ensure that everything seems normal.
Pull the door closed, smile with satisfaction that you did it yourself.
2007-03-15 23:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by functionalanarchist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever been trapped in your room by a broken doorknob ? NO
But I was once trapped in a basement for over twelve hours by a broken relationship !!!!! I got out but the relationship never got repaired !!
You can fair much better -- take your situation to the nearest home improvement center and to the doors and door hardware department--- there will be someone there that will gladly be able to help you understand how that all works and give you very simple instructions of not only how to fix the situation for yourself---but how to insure that this doesn't ever happen again !!
(I keep an axe in my basement now ---thanks Home Depot !!)
2007-03-15 21:15:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have any tools? Unscrew the door knob, they aren't very complicated, you might be surprised to find it's an easy fix. They are also VERY easy to replace. Take the broken parts to home depot, wear a low cut shirt and the damn thing will practically fix itself! ;)
If all else fails, put some duct tape over the latch part, so it can't "click" closed. You won't be able to lock your door, but you can at least have some privacy.
2007-03-15 21:05:11 · answer #4 · answered by THUB 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Suggest to get a locksmith to fix it quickly, unless you are the DIY type of person.
If the room is rented, contact the landlord and demand it to be fixed immediate. If landload is not taking action, get a locksmith to fix it and deduct the cost from next rental due.
Until the lock is fixed, leave the door open and use some masking tape to seal the lock to prevent it from locking you in again. It can be quite dangerous if there is an outbreak of fire.
2007-03-15 21:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it wasn't a doorknob. It was this sliding door thing that leads to the bathroom, past the sink and we shut it too far and we couldn't slide to open. Luckily I was by a bathroom too! Nobody could hear us since they were sleeping and we were young and just crying and oh it was awful.
2016-03-29 00:47:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol! This exact thing did happen to me but I was in the bathroom. It was horrible and I was so embarrased. I would buy a new doorknob for sure!
2007-03-15 21:53:34 · answer #7 · answered by lifesong0622 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, when I was 10? You just bring a butter knife in you room they work well for opening doors without knobs.
2007-03-15 21:03:17 · answer #8 · answered by shadycaliber 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't recall being in such a situation..
to fix your door...get someone who's fixes door...right away! or u might be trapped again...
2007-03-15 21:11:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋