How to Fix Door Handles That Don't Spring Back (2024)

Are you having trouble fixing drooping door handles by yourself? Worry no more. Door handles that have sagged are a common issue that can often be fixed with little effort. If the door handles on your internal doors or external doors are drooping, read this door handles troubleshooting guide to learn the potential reasons for this problem as well as some possible solutions.

If the handle on your door does not spring back into place properly, the problem may be caused by the following. Put each of the solutions to the test, and discover which one works for you.

Dirt or debris on mechanisms

It is important to inspect the spring return mechanism for dirt and debris since these things might cause problems. Check to see if there are any wood shavings stuck in the mechanism of the lock or the latch. To fix the problem, simply check and clean the spring inside the handle and the spring mechanism inside the tubular latch.

Overtight door handles

If the door handle has been tightly attached to the surface of the door, this may cause the spring to get entangled, which may result in the door handles sagging. When you overtighten a door handle, it might cause the lever bearing to stick against the door face or the door tosqueeze the latch mechanism within the mortice, preventing it from functioning properly. To fix this issue, just release the screws just a little bit, and you will see that the handle will realign itself to the horizontal position.

Corrosion of the door handle mechanism

It is possible for door handles to become difficult to move due to corrosion of the mechanism, which is most likely to occur on an external door handle or maybe a bathroom door handle. To fix this, remove the handle and work some spray lubricant into the mechanism to see if it helps loosen it up. In order to prevent any such issues in the future, after the mechanism has been removed, all of the parts should be cleaned and greased before it is reinstalled. When installing external doorhandles or handles that will be subjected to high levels of moisture, it is always good to grease the mechanism on the handle.

Worn spring in door handles

Drooping can also be caused by door handle springs that have become worn or are otherwise defective. If a new door handle has a defect, the retailer will normally replace the handle for you. But if the door handle is older, you canreplace the spring. Handle springs are available for purchase at almost every hardware store. But there are many varieties, so you'll want to make sure you get the right one for your door handle.

If you've been experiencing problems with a door handle that's sagging, we hope this article was helpful. If, after trying to fix the problem, you decide that you want to replace your door handles, take a look at our signature satin brass door handles and our matt black door handles.You will receive door handles of the highest possible quality fromManovella, as well as assistance with everything from selecting the hardware that is suitable for your needs to having it installed and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

How to Fix Door Handles That Don't Spring Back (2024)

FAQs

How to Fix Door Handles That Don't Spring Back? ›

The door handle springs mechanism is not properly lubricated, preventing the handle from springing back to horizontal. Remove the levers from the door and holding the backplate in one hand operate the handle. If it is grinding or seizing apply a little grease and operate again to work the grease in to the mechanism.

How to fix door handle not springing back up? ›

Remove the handle and try easing the mechanism with a spray lubricant. Once eased off, wipe everything down and grease the mechanism before replacing to avoid any future problems. Greasing the mechanism on any external handles, or handles exposed to excessive moisture, is a good idea when fitting them from new.

Why is my car door handle not springing back? ›

To fix this, remove the handle and work some spray lubricant into the mechanism to see if it helps loosen it up. In order to prevent any such issues in the future, after the mechanism has been removed, all of the parts should be cleaned and greased before it is reinstalled.

How to fix spring on door handle? ›

We'll now take you through how to fix your door handle spring step by step.
  1. Remove the handle. ...
  2. Open up the circlip. ...
  3. Remove washers and cams. ...
  4. Remove the old spring and fit the new. ...
  5. Refit the cams and washer.
  6. Test and re-attach your handle.
Jul 29, 2021

Why is my door handle latch not retracting? ›

If the latch won't retract, there's something wrong with the latch housing. Most likely, something is wrong with the spring or another small component. If the door handle turns but won't open, there's a good chance you'll have to do a replacement. Just make sure the problem is isolated before you make a decision.

How do you fix a loose back door handle? ›

Simply follow these steps.
  1. Remove. If you can't see a loose or broken screw in the door plate that needs tightening or replacing, you'll need to remove the handle to expose the mechanism behind. ...
  2. Pry. Now you'll need to remove the base. ...
  3. Tighten. ...
  4. Reassemble.

How do you fix a springing door? ›

Pack the door with cardboard

The cardboard packed into the space should give you the room you need down the hinge side of the door to stop it springing open. Screw the hinge back into the packed-out recess and do the same for the next hinge.

What does a spring do in a door handle? ›

Your door handle probably includes a spring which enables you to open and close the door effortlessly, horizontally and/or vertically.

Why does my lever door handle keep falling off? ›

One of the most common causes of a frequently loose lever door handle is handle misalignment. This misalignment causes tension within the door handle assembly, resulting in gradually loosening screws and increased wear.

Why is my door latch bolt not springing back? ›

If your door handle is not springing back correctly it is likely to be one of a few issues: The fixings have been overtightened causing the lever bearing to bind against the door face, or causing the door to compress the latch mechanism inside the mortice and stop it from operating correctly.

Why is my storm door handle not retracting? ›

If the lever handle on your storm door does not spring back to its neutral position, then we recommend loosening the inside latch screws 1/4 of a turn and the latch lever should spring back freely.

How do you fix a door that won't latch properly? ›

Usually the solution is adjusting the alignment of the strike plate in relation to the door latch. Start by tapping the metal tab in the strike plate with a screwdriver and hammer to bend the tab slightly. If that doesn't fix it, loosen the screws on the strike plate and tap the entire plate toward the door opening.

Why is my door handle sticking down? ›

Typically speaking, the most common cause of a sticking door handle is due to a problem with the tubular latch - the spindle bar that sits inside the latch body - as springs and other component parts can easily become damaged.

How do you fix a seized door handle? ›

If the door handle itself is seized, try applying some lubricant such as WD40, which might help loosen the seized components. If it is still seized after lubrication, you will need to replace the door handles.

Why won't my door handle lift up? ›

It may be that a component inside the locking mechanism has become damaged or worn over time, preventing the handle from operating correctly. Alternatively, there could be an issue with the alignment of the door itself, which may be causing the locking points to fail to engage properly.

How do you fix a stuck door mechanism? ›

To try and fix a door latch stuck within a door, use a flathead screwdriver or a Philips head screwdriver to free the latch. Open the door and hold it in an open position with a door wedge. Next, place the screwdriver at the top of the latch and use a hammer to tap the latch and remove any obstructions gently.

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