Extended Life: WD-40 Eases My Stiff Door Handle
The doorknob on one of the doors was starting to feel its age. It was getting stiff to turn, requiring more and more effort to latch and unlatch. There was a noticeable resistance, and I was concerned that the internal mechanisms were wearing out and the knob might eventually fail completely. Replacing a doorknob can be a bit of a hassle, so I was hoping to find a way to prolong its life.
Knowing WD-40's ability to lubricate and reduce friction in mechanical parts, I decided to give the doorknob a good spray. I focused the nozzle around the base of the knob where it met the door, aiming to get the lubricant into the latch mechanism and any other visible moving parts.
The difference was immediate and significant. The doorknob now turned much more smoothly and easily, requiring minimal effort to operate. The stiffness was gone, and the latch engaged and disengaged without any resistance. While I know the doorknob won't last forever, that simple application of WD-40 has definitely eased its operation and hopefully extended its lifespan a bit longer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Easing a Stiff Doorknob with WD-40
Here's how I used WD-40 to make my stiff doorknob work smoothly again:
Step 1: Identify the Stiff Doorknob
Locate the doorknob that is difficult to turn or feels stiff when latching and unlatching the door.
Step 2: Gather Your WD-40
Ensure you have your can of WD-40 Multi-Use Product ready.
Step 3: Apply WD-40 Around the Base of the Knob
Aim the WD-40 nozzle around the base of the doorknob where it meets the door. This allows the lubricant to penetrate the latch mechanism and internal moving parts.
Step 4: Turn and Work the Doorknob
Turn the doorknob back and forth several times, engaging and disengaging the latch. This helps the WD-40 distribute and loosen any stiffness.
Step 5: Repeat Application (If Necessary)
If the doorknob is still stiff, apply another targeted spray of WD-40 around the base and continue working the knob.
Step 6: Test for Smooth Operation
Once the doorknob turns smoothly and the latch operates easily, it is ready for use.
Now your doorknob should be much easier to use, hopefully extending its life!