

inside view of back, exterior door knob



  2. calling a lock smith.









Latch Mechanism




I had a similar problem recently and after reading this question and its answers, I realized I could buy just the latch assembly. So the key is to get the door open so that I could replace it. Rather than attacking the actuator rod, I decided to cut the latch with a hacksaw blade. To make the job quicker, I pulled back the latch as far as I could with wrench and then started cutting the latch with the hacksaw blade:

Cut the latch instead

Initially, I used a piece of cardboard to make a handle, but I went to the store to buy a small hacksaw handle with a good portion of the blade exposed for just this sort of job:

Hacksaw handle

Once I cut through the latch, the door could be opened and the latch replaced. However, I did notice that the door hinges needed tightening so that it swings closed all the way. I also adjusted the strike plate, which wasn't properly holding back the deadlatch. I believe if I'd failed to do those things, the new latch would have had the same problem as the old one. Be sure to test the new lock carefully to make sure it's secure.

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