Old cast iron door handle - no spring return mechanism

DSLC

Hi. We have an old cast iron - 'antique' style - door handle. Recently, the attached door is not closing properly - due to the handle 'sagging'.

I know that modern door handles typically have an internal spring which can be replaced when it wears out, and this is easily accessible after removing the handle from the door. The handle on our door, however, provides no obvious way of accessing the internal spring - if there even is one.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with these types of door handles and can offer advice. If we need to buy new handles, so be it - but finding matching replacements could be difficult, and I would like to understand the problem fully before buying anything.

Videos explaining ...

- basic problem (showing handle on door): https://designtrail.net/~david/videos/door-handle-1.mp4
- More detail (handle removed from door): https://designtrail.net/~david/videos/door-handle-2.mp4
- Why it seems to me that the mortise lock is not the problem: https://designtrail.net/~david/videos/door-handle-3.mp4

P.S. The audio quality in the videos is terrible (I was trying to demonstrate the problem and record using my phone at the same time.)

More photos attached.

bonzodog2

There should be a return spring on the latch part of the internal lock mechanism too

RandomUsername

If you remove one of the good handles and check the type and size of the spring.
Then purchase some of the correct type from the selection below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=door+handle+spring+repair+kit&sprefix=door+handle+spring+%2Caps%2C254&crid=3XSXY6P7DTEW&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adoor+handle+spring+repair+kit

DSLC

bonzodog2 wrote: »

There should be a return spring on the latch part of the internal lock mechanism too

If I have time during the week I will try to upload a video showing why I don't think the latch is the problem (although I might be missing something obvious).

Thanks anyway.

DSLC

RandomUsername wrote: »

If you remove one of the good handles and check the type and size of the spring.
Then purchase some of the correct type from ...

Hi. I can't access the spring inside the handle to inspect if - or determine if these handles even have springs inside. That's my main problem.

Odelay

DSLC wrote: »

Hi. I can't access the spring inside the handle to inspect if - or determine if these handles even have springs inside. That's my main problem.

They don’t look old to me, they look like preproduction types that were popular 15 years ago. They can still be bought.

I wouldn’t bother buying them again, the metal is very soft in them and the handles easily break off.

DSLC

@Odelay: Okay. Good to know.

cletus

As mentioned above, the metal is soft. The square slot that receives the spindle gets all wallered out, and sags, leaving you very little space to actually turn the spindle. They can be shimmed, I've done it before