Thumb latch door handle wobbles
#1
02-22-22, 08:41 PM
Thumb latch door handle wobbles
The exterior handle on my thumb latch door handle started wobbling.
I'm not able to determine how to tighten the handle piece.
any suggestions?
I'm not able to determine how to tighten the handle piece.
any suggestions?
#2
02-23-22, 04:55 AM
Group Moderator
You haven't shown us a picture or told us what latch you have so we can't provide detailed instructions. In most cases though you just tighten the screws.
#4
02-23-22, 11:50 AM
This is the side of the door that is outside the house. The handle I’m holding my hand wobbles and I’d like to tighten it. There are no visible screws to tighten. I’d like to know how to tighten it if anyone can help.
This is the side of the door that is inside the house.
#5
02-23-22, 12:23 PM
Member
If the upper plate wobbles with the handle (it looks like it might from the paint lines visible above it) then the screw shown in the upper plate on the inside can be tightened. Since there appears to be a depression around that screw (possibly from over tightening) it might be bottommed out, but could be shortened if necessary to get it tight. The button below on the inside covers the lower screw (or may be a decorative bolt head) that may also need to be tightened.
If the handle outside wobbles but the plate is solid, then there may be a bolt inside that has loosened. To find it you will have to remove the inside knobs and plate.
If the handle outside wobbles but the plate is solid, then there may be a bolt inside that has loosened. To find it you will have to remove the inside knobs and plate.
#6
02-23-22, 02:09 PM
the entire plate around the thumb latch wobbles. The plate around the keyhole is solid. I did try to tighten the two screws on the plate on the inside side of the door. this did not seem to make much difference with the wobbly plate around the thumb latch. At this point I'm trying to figure out how to take the unit apart so I can see why the plate is wobbling.
#7
02-23-22, 02:28 PM
Group Moderator
I thought you were talking about a latch on a storm door by your description.
The keyslot sounds like you are talking about the deadbolt above. That is separate from the entry latch and is unrelated.
On the inside look for a small hole on the bottom side of the entry and lock knobs. There should be a set screw or spring loaded catch to remove the knobs. Then remove the screws in the escutcheon plate and remove the escutcheon. Then you should see be able to see another screw or two that attaches the outside handle.
The keyslot sounds like you are talking about the deadbolt above. That is separate from the entry latch and is unrelated.
On the inside look for a small hole on the bottom side of the entry and lock knobs. There should be a set screw or spring loaded catch to remove the knobs. Then remove the screws in the escutcheon plate and remove the escutcheon. Then you should see be able to see another screw or two that attaches the outside handle.
#8
02-23-22, 03:59 PM
Group Moderator
Remove the handles and screws from the inside trim. Then there is probably a plate around the knob hole that holds the exterior handle. Put some blue loctite on those screws if you don't want them to come loose again.
#9
02-23-22, 06:00 PM
Group Moderator
It's a Medeco (Assa Abloy) Tara II. This is a professional series (now discontinued) so I can't give you a diagram or anything. If you can't figure out how to get the egg knob off you will need to tell us what the problem is and why you can't take the interior trim off.
#11
02-24-22, 07:46 AM
There are two set screws on the knob spindle on the inside side of the door. Looks like they require an Allen key. I will try and loosen these to remove the knob and then maybe I can access the unit from the inside side of the door to tighten the plate and latch on the front side that is wobbly.
#12
02-24-22, 11:07 AM
If you haven't already, try both Imperial and Metric Allen wrenches.....knob set screws can (and should be ) pretty tight, and there's nothing worse than stripping a "grub" screw. Sometimes they're pre-coated with a non-hardening thread locker that gives considerable resistance as you loosen them.
#15
07-06-22, 09:15 AM
So I removed the two set screws and from there was able to take off the inside doorknob. Afterwards I pulled out the inside lock handle. From there I was able to pry off the inside metal plate after removing it's 2 screws. This exposed another screw head which had been hidden under the metal plate and was flush with the door. Tightening this screw head pulled the latch handle on the other side nice and snug up against the door so that it no longer wobbles. I put everything back together and my wife was happy. 😉
