Fixing 100 year old door latch

[Dixie]

Does anyone have experience with antique door knobs? Like, where do I buy parts?
My house has two 100 year old door knobs. They're original to the house, so I'd like to keep them. Problem is, the return spring is broken in one, and they could both use a tune-up. I'd also like to add something comparable to my bedroom door, but I have no idea where to start.
Any useful ideas?

[blucille]

One screw sets the knob in place. Then you unscrew the knob.

There’s typically a square shaft that pulls out.

Then mortise lock set can be removed from the door. (Typically 2 screws on the edge of the door)

The mortise unit is very simple inside. Some springs and lots of dirt and grime. Most times I’ve been able to clean stuff up, lube it and get everything going again.

I have some spare bits. Feel free to contact me. Or find a local home salvage shop locally or online and buy whatever bits you need.

It’s all very simply. Don’t be intimidated. Get rid of the layers of paint to get good access and easy removal of all the bits. Especially the flat head screws.

[stevej37]

Home Depot or Menards carry replacement parts. The knob might hard to find...they usually have just the brass knobs. (just use your knobs with their parts)

[JackDidley]

You may find what you need here.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3814320.m570.l1313&_nkw=antique+door+knob&_sacat=0

[TimT]

I have similar door hardware in my house, My house is a 100 year old Spanish revival would be the best way to describe the style...

I had 6 doors with nearly identical hardware.... and in my infinite wisdom (read I am an idiot) I replaced 4 of the doors with new doors and locksets..

The remaining two doors I restored properly.. took the locksets apart soaked in some parts cleaner, cleaned the 100 years of dust and dried grease/oil...lubricated the works..




I used paint stripper on the back plates, and was pleased when the brass looked in good condition.

I just did a cursory search and...

https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/old-doorknobs-new-york-fluted-crystal-set

https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/Pair-of-Clear-Octagonal-Crystal-Door-Knobs

[Rot 911]

Nothing special about the door knobs. Lowes even used to carry replacements. I pick up extras at various garage sales.

[Bill Douglas]

I've had good luck at the building recyclers. Even if it doesn't look exactly the same, the return spring can be made to fit. As Tim has done, strip them down and clean and lubricate, then see what they need.

[Zeke]

I've done hundreds of these and I can't add anything to what has been said.

I will say that in many cases where the plate has been painted that I just put them in water with lye and boil them. If the glass knob becomes loose in the socket, hold it upright and run some Superglue around the rim. Loose glass knobs can be really dangerous.

I was stupid enough one day to carry a door by the glass knob in one hand when it broke. Sharp as a scalpel and I needed 10 stitches.

[look 171]

When I was restoring dirty old homes, we use to just drop them off at our local locksmith and have them replace, lube all the springs and parts necessary. We would put 'em back. They don't latch very well compared to a modern lock. Mot people complain about that. If you want to take them apart, its not too difficult to repair.

[jyl]

The square section threaded brass shaft is a weak link, the set screw always comes loose and the knob’s threads and the shaft’s threads both get chewed up.

You can get the knob threaded on just right, then put a little drill bit through the hole to make a mark on the shaft, remove knob, use larger drill bit to make a shallow depression in the shaft, the set screw locks into that and won’t come loose - some blue locktite helps.

I have those throughout the house and was replacing one or two shafts a year, usually after someone gets locked in or out of their room.

[URY914]

There is a recycling store here in Jax that has 1000's of door hardware parts/sets.

https://ecorelics.com/

[Brian 162]

You need to find an antique store. They may have the glass door knobs.
Our old house was over 100 years old and I had similar door knobs and hardware.
I found a place east of Toronto that repaired my lock and supplied skeleton keys for the other doors.
Sold the house a year later.

[911 Rod]

I put them in boiling water with baking soda to remove the paint.

[911_Dude]

You may have in your area a store that specializes in old house salvage parts. If not, try ebay. Lots of parts available.

[john70t]

Scrape and cut the paint bonds before removal. Tap surface to break bond. Should pop off easy.
Get a replacement spring at the hardware store. Match up length and pull strength.
Clean and lube.
I like satin black enamel finish personally.
New square rods are at box stores but they're probably steel not brass.
Tighten the knobs 1/4 turn until they don't wiggle. Make sure it's centered. May need a washer or two inside. I've used a little AL foil when still wobbly.

[jcommin]

All good recommendations. I had glass doorknobs on the 1st home I bought. The house was built in the early 40s. I went thru the same process: replaced the square rods as needed, cleaned and lubricated the lock mechanisms.

My youngest just bought a home built in 1910 and he is refurbishing the doorknobs too. The post is timely.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by URY914

There is a recycling store here in Jax that has 1000's of door hardware parts/sets.

https://ecorelics.com/

I'd love to visit that place!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jcommin

All good recommendations. I had glass doorknobs on the 1st home I bought. The house was built in the early 40s. I went thru the same process: replaced the square rods as needed, cleaned and lubricated the lock mechanisms.

My youngest just bought a home built in 1910 and he is refurbishing the doorknobs too. The post is timely.

Our home was built in the early-mid 20s. Unfortunately, one of the POs ditched all of the original knobs and locks, but we do have some of the original doors. Ours used rim locks vs mortise locks. We're probably going to replace the interior stuff with original style locks.

[look 171]

I am not a fan of old stuff that are bearly working. Why not go with this https://www.emtek.com/all-products/door-hardware/knobs-lever-and-rosettes/knobsets/old-town-clear-knobset/ (scroll down to look at the long plate to match your home).

They make a great lock and works like it should, do not fail like many of the old locks and actually latches with a slight push of your hand. If one must have old bearly working hardware, go for it. I have had my fair share of plating hinges, faucets and locks.

[WPOZZZ]

And don't lose the skeleton key. There are repros out there, but they are crap. I had my grandmother's house redone and had all the steel and brass keys set aside. After everything was done, the keys were gone. I asked the contractor about it and he said he didn't know where they went. He got the crappy repros and they snapped.