Expert: James - 2/10/2009

Question
We have a mother-in-law quarters downstairs, so there is a locking lever type
knob on the door.  The door is currently not locked, but the door won't open.  
The handle goes up & down but the "mechanism" inside isn't working.  Is my
only option having to remove the whole door knob(lever)?  If so, how do I go
about doing that with out ruining the door or the frame?  I'm on the side of
the door with the keyhole, so there isn't any visible screws.

Answer
Hello Vanessa,

Are you certain the lock is unlocked?  Some locks allow the knob or lever to turn even when the lock is locked.

You'll have to pry the latch back, if possible, with a thin stiff object like a cake icing spreader.

If that doesn't work you'll have to hire a locksmith to drill the lock off and replace it.

Without access to the screws you don't have many options.

James
www.jmlock.com