What to Do When Your Kwikset Door Latch Won't Retract [Quick Fix]

Is your Kwikset door latch stuck and are you experiencing retraction issues? With a compromised door latch, your daily routine becomes distrusted and your privacy severely diminished. It’s important that you find a solution as quick as possible and also a way to fix it that will prevent the issue from reoccurring.

Regardless of your particular door latch issue, you need to find an answer to have your door operating properly again. The most common reasons for an issue like this are either a misaligned strike plate, jammed latch or broken internal mechanism.

We’ve outlined all the steps you should take in order to easily troubleshoot the problem. With the information you gather and the common problems we’ve defined, you’ll be able to diagnose and fix your Kwikset latch that won’t retract.

The problem – If you noticed that your latch is stuck and won’t retract only when you’re trying to open a closed door, it’s likely that you have a misaligned strike plate. Physically, when you are attempting to retract the latch into the designated hole of the strike plate, the latch is not landing perfectly in the hole.

It could be in the wrong position because it was never properly installed originally. However, it’s most likely occurring due to moisture inflating the wood of your door or the overall foundation of your home is not secure. An issue like this will likely reoccur annually or a few times throughout the year.

The solution – For a short-term fix, you can adjust the strike plate so that it is more properly aligned with the structure of your Kwikset latch. This can be achieved easily by marking the point on your frame where the latch is landing. Based on this, you’ll either need to widen the hole or remove the strike and re-install it in a more appropriate position.

If you’re in need of a more permanent fix, you will need to do the steps outlined above first and then some additional action for the wider problem. If you’re experiencing wood expansion, consider redoing the finish of your door to prevent moisture. However, if it’s an issue with your foundation, you may want to contact a professional about the possibility of rescuing it.

The problem – If your retraction problem is caused by a jammed latch, the issue will typically be present when the handle is turned and when physical pressure is placed on the latch. The issue itself has nothing to do with the door or the control of the knob. Instead, it involves an excess of materials inside the mechanism and obstructed spring tensioning.

Because of moisture, rust can build up in the lock and the latch bolt. If the door latch won’t retract because of accumulated rust, the internal system jams as the extra materials get in the way of proper functionality. The metal pieces attempting to slide past each other will cause unnecessary friction and the associated gunk can disrupt movement of the springs.

The solution – If you’re experiencing a jammed latch because of buildup of unnecessary materials, you’ll want to begin by taking everything apart and giving the lock a good cleaning. Dunk the mechanisms into vinegar and let them sit to allow the dirt and grime to separate from the metal. Depending on the extent of the gunk, it may require some scrubbing with a tiny brush.

Additionally, It’s important to properly polish the lock after cleaning to help prevent a similar rust issue from reoccurring. Seal any small imperfections from future rust by using car wax.

The problem – If any piece of a lock is broken, it can lead to numerous other issues. If you noticed that the latch is stuck or won’t retract only when you tried to manipulate the handle, this is a tell-tale sign that something is broken. This is especially true if it slides in and out effortlessly when you applied your own pressure.

A number of broken mechanisms can cause your lock to not retract. It’s possible that the spindle is broken since the latch is not reacting to the handle. You also may be experiencing a problem with the spindle hole or a broken piece within the lock itself.

The solution – The simplest way to fix a lock that is broken and has an issue with one of the internal mechanisms is to completely change the locks. Although you can inquire with a local locksmith for some replacement parts, procuring new locks may be the more cost-effective solution. Home Depot offers quite a few affordable lock options.