Replace Wornout Door Springlatch

Do you remember you parent's always saying "Don't slam the door"? There's a good reason, not to mention the noise and cracked plaster.  Your spring latch takes lots of abuse over the years and this one finally cracked.  The fatigue generated by years of abuse on the cast metal latch finally caught up.  Luckily companies like Schlage, offer replacement parts and the repair is relatively simple.

Cracked door springlatch
Items needed:
Screwdriver
Safety Suggestions and Tips
Don't forget to lubricate the works before re-assembling. 
Level of difficulty


Time Required:
 30 minutes

Steps

Loosen and remove screws from the knob
Loosen and remove screws from the knob

Step 1:

Start by removed the screw from the knob.  

Remove screws from springlatch
Remove screws from springlatch

Step 2:

Loosen and remove the screws securing the springlatch. 

Loosen screw on handle, if present
Loosen screw on handle, if present

Step 3:

The base of the handle may have a screw which needs to be removed. 

Remove works by pushing
Remove works by pushing

Step 4:

Push the works back through the hole to remove the handle portion.

Remove handle
Remove handle

Step 5:

Remove handle assembly and the spring latch.

Compare replacement springlatch
Compare replacement springlatch

Step 6:

Compare the replacement springlatch.  The length may be different, but this can be adjusted.

Measure the backset
Measure the backset

Step 7:

Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the centerline of the handle shaft.  This is the backset. This may be either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4".

Rotate cam to change backset
Rotate cam to change backset

Step 8:

Rotate cam to change backset

Reassemble everything
Reassemble everything

Step 9:

Reassemble everything.  Add some grease also!