Usually bad or failing door handles will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem.
Problems with door handles.
You can fix this problem relocating the hinges or using longer screws.
Tighten the screws or repair the screw holes.
A binding door may need to be planed but often simpler repairs will solve the problem.
If it binds on the latch side at the bottom you may need to fix the bottom hinge screws.
Also a broken bolt or latch that causes your door lock to jam might be a symptom of a much larger issue like an attempted home break in.
A worn or damaged exterior door handle can sometimes become noticeably loose in the door.
If you need a pro to fix problems with a high quality door knob or lockset removing the hardware and taking it to a locksmith is usually far less expensive than having the locksmith come to you.
Door lock problems that are a result of debris jamming up the keyway should not be ignored because they can potentially result in more problems like breaking a key in a lock.
Everything from latches not locking to sticking door handles can be caused by a problem with the door.
Door handles can fall off revealing the spindle or they can fail internally no longer engaging the spindle.
Issues with the door can affect a door handle s functionality.
Sometimes in order to fix door handles you need to make adjustments on the door itself.
If a door binds on the latch side at the top the upper hinge may be loose.
The door handle is not always the source of your trouble.
One of the first symptoms of a problem with an exterior door handle is a loose door handle.
One of the problems that causes this is that the hinges are loose or the house has settled from the freezing and thawing of the ground.
These are the most stressed points of a well used door and over time will simply wear out and need repairing or replacing.