A broken door handle doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's always a very unpleasant surprise.
It is more than just an inconvenience—it can compromise your security and disrupt your daily routine. Knowing how to open the door if the handle is broken effectively can save time, effort, and money.
While DIY fixes might work at times, professional help is something you cannot ignore in other instances.
Keyenzy is your reliable locksmith service that ensures you don't get locked out of a room or an entire house if your door handle breaks or locks become problematic.
In this blog, we will analyze some of the reasons why door handles malfunction and some alternative ways to unlock a locked door. So, read along and take notes.
What are the Reasons for the Door Handle Not Opening?
Door locks and handles cause various issues, leading you to find out how to open a door without a lock or remove a key from a broken lock. In this instance, you will learn how to open the door if the handle is broken.
You must be wondering what exactly causes the door handles to malfunction. Well, if you are facing issues such as how to open a door without a knob or a broken handle, several factors may be causing it, some of them are mentioned below:
Due to Tightened Screws
The door would feel less smooth when opened as overly tightened screws could also hinder the handle's movement.
It could even lead to the pinching of the backplate to the lock and impede the smooth operation of the spring mechanism of the lock.
Lack of Lubrication
Internal springs in the handle may bind, which will cause it to be hard to operate the door. If not lubricated properly, friction within the internal components, especially the springs, will hinder the free rotation of the handle.
Failed Spring Mechanism
If the uPVC door closes but fails to latch, something may be faulty with the mechanism of the lock spring. Defective springs also cause the failure of proper latching and complete functionality of a door.
Loose Set Screw
Where the doorknob is revolving, but the door will not turn open, check for a set screw holding knob or handle attached to the rod, which has gotten loose.
Other Causes
External factors such as broken keys jamming the lock, rusting of inner components, or misalignment of different parts of the door can cause the handle not to function correctly or even break.
Furthermore, here is how you can clean rusty keys to avoid them from ruining the door locks.
Handle Replacement
Handles eventually wear out or get damaged irreparably, requiring replacement for the door to regain functionality. If other measures to rectify the handle are ineffective, then replacement becomes the only suitable option.
Read: Window Locks Made Easy: Simple Tips for a Safer Home!
How to Open the Door if the Handle is Broken: Some Common Solutions
The procedure will start by investigating the types of doors, the degree of damage sustained by the locking system, and the kind of damage caused by the handle.
Here are instructions on opening up a broken door when your broken door handle will:
Solution 1: Use a credit card or a similar object that you can slide between the door and the frame.
If you do not have an alternative, you can try inserting a credit card or a similar object between the door and the frame. Insert the card between the door and the frame at the level of the latch.
Push the door away from the frame, and then wiggle the card up and down to disengage the latch and open the door. The procedure will work by breaking the card so you have to use a spare one you do not care about losing.
This becomes a bit challenging when you have a trim board on the outside, as in this picture. You should be able to rock the door back and forth as you slide the card in between the door to give you enough room.
Solution 2: Try turning the locking mechanism using a screwdriver or other tool.
You will likely be able to open it by using a screwdriver or another tool that turns the locking mechanism if it's broken, but the door will still close and lock, or vice versa.
Simply take out all screws or remove the covers of everything blocking access to the mechanism inside the door, insert your screwdriver or the like into the locking mechanism, and turn it to unlock the door in the proper direction.
This will disengage the lock, thus giving you access to open the door. However, it should be used as a last resort method since it would damage the mechanism.
Solution 3: Remove the hinges from the door to gain access.
The door handle being completely broken off will mean that one cannot even have access to unlocking the mechanism since it's jammed. Remove the hinges from the door. Step one is to look for the hinges on the door opposite the side where the handle is.
Take out the screws holding the hinges by unscrewing them using a screwdriver. Once the hinges are taken off, you carefully pull out the door from the frame. Do not forget to ask for help when pulling out the door to prevent it from falling or getting broken.
Pull away the door now that you remove the door panel, check out the inner mechanism, and manage to open your door.
Solution 4: Seek Professional Locksmith Assistance
You call a professional for assistance when fixing a broken door handle to make things convenient if:
Emergencies
You were locked in some room with not much of a means of access, and each trick you may try DIY turns out useless.
Unknown or Unclear Causes
When you are unsure about the cause of the breakdown, it is unclear or too challenging for you to determine without professional assistance.
Severe Damage
If you find visibly extensive and severe damage to the door lock or handle, it's better to call for professionals, as the issue may need more than just a simple DIY. You might even need a replacement as the only solution.
Repetitive Failures
If you find the door handle malfunctioning repetitively even after the temporary repairs, then it needs a more extensive and permanent solution.
Recommended: Unlocking Convenience: The Best Digital Locks for Your Main Door in 2025
Preventive Measures to Avoid Opening a Door Without a knob or with Broken Handle
When you get stuck in emergency lockouts, figuring out how to open a locked door knob or handle can be a complex procedure.
So, to prevent your door handles from such a disaster and prolong their functional lives by implementing these easy-to-implement tips:
Constant Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect your door handles regularly for signs of wear, loose screws, or malfunction. Carry out maintenance promptly by tightening screws and addressing minor issues before they become major ones.
Use Lubrication as a Preventive Measure
Apply a suitable lubricant to your door handles at regular intervals. Lubrication prevents rust formation and reduces stiffness in the mechanism, ensuring smooth and effortless operation.
Be Careful with the Fragile Handles
Be careful when opening doors with broken or worn-out handles. Avoid using too much force, especially if you see any signs of wear. Gentle operation and proper care can extend the life of your door handles by a long shot.
How can Keyenzy Help When You Don’t Know How to Open the Door if the Handle is Broken?
Keyenzy offers a range of professional locksmith solutions to resolve issues caused by broken door handles and locks.
Our 24/7 emergency locksmith services ensure quick assistance when you're locked out or facing compromised security. From traditional key replacement and repair to advanced smart lock installation, we cater to all your needs.
Our skilled locksmiths can repair damaged handles, replace malfunctioning locks, and even upgrade your system with modern smart lock installation for enhanced security.
Using advanced tools and non-destructive techniques, we restore access and functionality without damaging your property. With Keyenzy, you get fast, reliable, and efficient service whenever you need it.
To connect with us whenever you need, fill out this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My door handle has broken, and I am locked inside a room. How to unlock a doorknob?
Ans: If you are locked inside a room, observe the situation calmly. Now, try to open the door by turning the locking mechanism with a tool. If that doesn't work, call Keyenzy's emergency locksmith service, and they will help you out immediately.
Q. Does Keyenzy offer assistance with high-security locks or advanced locking systems?
Ans: Yes, our locksmiths are trained to deal with all sorts of locks, from high-security locks to modern digital locking systems.
Q. How much does it cost to get a broken handle repaired?
Ans: The cost of door handle repair depends on several factors, such as the type of door handle and the extent of the damage. So, an estimate of the charges per professional service may range between ₹399 and ₹999.
Q. Should a broken handle be fixed or replaced?
Ans: It depends on the extent of damage. In most cases, repair can be the ultimate solution, but if the handle or lock is severely damaged or worn out, replacement is a more reliable solution.
