Stripped doorknob


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Old 05-07-08, 04:06 PM
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Stripped doorknob

We have a door with a doorknob that is stripped. It just turns but doesn't engage the mechanism. We can't get into the room. The windows to the room are locked from the inside and we can't get at the hinges to remove the door that way. Is there anything we can do short of breaking a window or the door, to get into the room?
 
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Old 05-07-08, 04:31 PM
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If this is an interior door, most of them have a door stop, which is a moulding that's about 3/8" thick and 1 3/8" wide. If you can pry the door stop loose, a thin putty knife should open the door as you force it between the latch and the strike plate.
 
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Old 05-07-08, 04:40 PM
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This depends on what kind of latch mechanism you have, and whether the door has a lock that is engaged, but.....

Try the old burglar thing. Use a thin flexible plastic strip, some drivers licenses work or the fake pre-approved credit cards, I've even used plastic playing cards. Push the door into the room, insert the card right at the latch, then pull the door towards you, repeat several times, wiggling the card as you go.

If its a standard, not too tight fitting door, this may work for you.
 
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Old 05-07-08, 05:23 PM
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Look on the side of the door knob, see if there is a set screw. Look also to see if there is a small pin hole. If you have a set screw, try tightening or loosening (to take the handle off). If you have a pin hole, try sticking a needle into the hole while pulling on the handle, this would release the handle off the inner square turning mechanism. You can turn the square stock with a wrench to open the door.

If non of the above works, send us a picture of what you have and we will take a closer look at it.
 
 

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