Door Latch Frozen

My door latch is frozen in the locked position.
I have taken off the inside door knob and have removed the screws holding the outside knob. The spindle will not come out of the latch assembly because the latch is stuck in the locked position. The spindle is larger on the inside end, so it is too big to clear the locking brackets.

I have tried prying the brackets with a screwdriver and gave the latch a few whacks with a 3lb. mallet. Frozen.

How can I remove the rest of this door knob?

Thanks.

 

A picture will tell a thousand words, thanks.

I suspect you might have to use a wedge to increase the gap between the door edge and the jamb.

or pull the hinge pins (if loose pin hinges) to remove the door.

 

Need a brand name, and/or pix....and did this happen suddenly, or has the lock been hard to operate for some time? Is it used every day? Often a door will sag and bind the latch...try prying up on the door while turning the knob. Need more info for more advise.

 

You described my situation exactly, so I know exactly what you are talking about. I just now got the spindle of my Kwikset knob out of the latch, which was stuck, with the latch frozen as well.

I took a 28 oz. framing hammer and swinging toward the edge, hit the latch tongue in a way that would be knocking it back toward the hinges. After 3 or 4 swings, and bending the strike plate part of the barrel into the tongue hole of the door slightly, it loosened enough to slide the lock side of the door knob out of the latch.

Now I'm off to buy a new door knob assembly. I hope this works for you.