47 outer door handle sagging

[woodiewagon46]

Do not try to bend the stem of the handle to correct the sag. Fix it the correct way and replace the spring. Springs are available and it's a fairly easy replacement.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by 69a

You can just twist it upwards by hand until it sits level when you release it. I did it with mine over 30 years ago.

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

Do not try to bend the stem of the handle to correct the sag. Fix it the correct way and replace the spring. Springs are available and it's a fairly easy replacement.

I understand now that the problem is in the latch mechanism. I would happily replace the entire mechanism but there are no such latches available anywhere that I could find. As I study the mechanism, it is not made so that the handle spring can be accessed and replaced by any non-destructive action. (The main latch spring is readily replaceable and I've done that before.) Neither have I found whatever spring would go in there if I were to cut into the thing. [Correction. Dennis Carpenter has it. I'll order it and see if I can figure out how to put it in.]

[mcgarrett]

The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!

Now that right there is the kind of help that is really helpful. Thanks.