broken lock in door knob :(

Hi, I would really appreciate anyone's help about my situation, even if it is just the proper vocabulary. I will try to describe the situation the best I can.

I have a lock on my bedroom door. Yesterday I tried to open my door. I put the key in to unlock it. The key went in. I thought it had turned to unlock however I was unable to open my door. I then turned the key back as if to re-lock the door. Then I tried to unlock it once more. After doing that the lock literally came out of the door knob handle. The rest of the handle is still intact, it is just the piece that has the locking mechanism that came out. (It would not go back in when I tried to reinsert it.) Is there an way to repair this myself?

Thanks!!

 

Welcome to the forums hollylynn!

It depends. Is the key cylinder and pins intact? What brand? The lock has to be disassembled.

Typically there is a screw or clip that holds the cylinder in the knob. If it came loose, you may be able to put it back together.

Normally this would not happen and something may be broken.
Removing the lock and bringing it to your local locksmith would save you a service call charge.

If it is a cheap lock, you may be better off replacing it. Besides the locksmith, home centers and hardware stores may be able to match a new lock to your key for a nominal fee.

 

Most likely it is not a Kwikset brand as you need a special key (or knowledge) to remove the cylinder from the handle.

It could be a Weiser brand. You need to turn the key to the 5 o'clock position to reinsert the cylinder in the handle.

If it is an IC core lock......you could have accidentally pulled the core....it then takes an IC core key to reinstall.

A brand name would help.