How can I repair my door knob that won't work?!?

Question

My front door is not opening! The knob just keeps turning & turning until I've practically screqed the knob off. I don't want to pay to get it fixed, so does anyone know what the problem might be & how I could fix it? My home is very old- built in 1927- so that be part of the issue. The knob is glass and looks old too (I don't know if it's original).

Answer 1

A lot of old knobs are held in place by a set screw. Look near the end of the knob nearest the door for a small hole with a screw in it. You should be able to tighten the screw and make the knob work. Some screws are slotted, others are hex (allen) screws.

If the threaded hole is there but the screw is missing, you will need to find a properly sized set screw at your hardware store.

Bert

Answer 2

I live in a house built in 1906, with most of the original woodwork, (a dark walnut), doors and fixtures. The glass knobs you're referring to most likely are set onto a square shaped shaft that goes completely through the door and is inside the opposite side knob as well. There should be a machine screw of an appropriate length that will thread into the square shaft at some point. Most of the shafts had many holes in them to accomodate different thicknesses of doors available in homes. If yours it turning around and around, the screw is either broken off in the shaft or has just fallen out on the floor at some point. If you pull straight out away from the door on the knob, it should come off without too much trouble. Then the knob on the other side along with the shaft, should come out that side. Take the knob attached to the shaft to the hardware store and tell them you need a screw to fit the holes in the shaft. When you get the screw take it and the knob assembly home and reinsert it in the door, put on the second knob, line up the hole with one in the shaft and insert the screw. That should do the trick.
By the way, you can't buy this set up at many stores anymore, especially for under $15. These things are considered antiques and are usually sold in Restoration Supply catalogs and stores for a pretty penny.

Answer 3

Replace the whole unit. You can buy a doorknob set at any hardware or large store (i.e. Walmart, Target, etc) for $15 or less. Depends if you just want the door knob, or a handle with a lock inside it... The sets come with directions. If you aren't sure if you can do it, most guys with any tool aptitude can do it for you in 10 minutes or less.

Answer 4

You have a mortised lockset. This is a common problem with this type and is easy to remedy. Look on the side of the knob and you will find a set screw that needs to be tighten be sure that the set screw sit on the flat of the shaft.

Answer 5

Gorilla Glue.