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Topic: Closet door latch stuck in closed position (Read 1138 times) previous topic - next topic

Closet door latch stuck in closed position

94 Grand Villa
I have searched the forum and found the replacement latch....but mine failed with the door closed so I am not able to access the latch. I have unscrewed the knob. Is my only option to drill the lock?
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #1 –
Karl,

What kind of latch is it?  All I have on my closet doors is a simple "spring and ball" type catch on the sliding doors, and the push button latch on the washer/dryer closet (see photos).  Yours are different?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #2 –
Hey neighbor, never heard of one failing in the closed position. You may have to just get a small pry bar up in the area (mine are at the top) and break it.

Edit, this is what mine has. Some time the door side hits the latch and trips it closed. If this is what you have it SHOULD be fairly easy to break.

Heavy Duty Push Latch - RV Designer H316 - Cabinet Hardware - Camping World
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #3 –
I wonder if he has the push button style?
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Andy 2 –
I wonder if he has the push button style?
Thanks, Andy - edited my question (above).
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #5 –
We picked up a replacement button at FOT recently for two bucks. The mechanism is also available. Save the  threaded cylinder that was on the old button! New button doesn't come with it.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Karl,

What kind of latch is it?
It is the push button type (picture on right). I have unscrewed the button....tapped. ..beat...rattled. ...jiggled.....that sucker wont open.
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #7 –
Quote from: toyman –
Hey neighbor, never heard of one failing in the closed position. You may have to just get a small pry bar up in the area (mine are at the top) and break it.
I tried to pry it open but ir appears it will break the wood first. Looks like dirty underwear again. Guess I will drill the guts out but will wait till  the new ones arrive to make sure they match. I  have removed the button so if the new latch is the same everything should match. Since I am on the road I ordered from Amazon in order to make sure that they match. The one on the door next to it failed a few months ago in the open position....but I was able to open it up and repair the mechanism.
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #8 –
Karl,

If you have already opened up one of these latches, and repaired it, then you probably know more about them than 95% of the membership.  It sounds like you have a good plan, and I doubt we will improve on it.  I looked at the back side of the push-button latch on my closet.  It is made of plastic, and held on with 2 "ears", one at top and one at bottom, secured by wood screws.  Both of the ears on my latch are already cracked  (a condition I hadn't noticed before reading your post), and it looks like the whole thing could fall off any time.  If the part you ordered turns out to be a good replacement, please post the source and model number.  I would like to replace my latch preemptively before it dies.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Closet door latch stuck in closed position

Reply #9 –
@Karl,

I had one where the button and post both came out in my hand. There wasn't much to it. I'd try grabbing the post with needle nose or even better needle nose vise grips and yank. If it comes out it should release the lock.

or...

As Chuck mentions the tabs that the lock is held on with are pretty flimsy. I would think a punch and a hammer may be all you need to get the lock off.

Good luck. Let us know how you get it off.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X