A questioner said:
My house is circa 1960 and still 99.9% original. The glass door knob on my daughter’s bedroom door keeps coming off. I make sure I get it all the way back on and the screw is tight yet somehow it will manage to come off a few weeks later. What am I doing wrong?
Some of the people opinions on it:
Jay Dee
“Could you look at the deed to see how far back it goes?”
Melanie Barr
“Did you mean to type ‘circa 1930’? That is not a 1960 door knob.”
Jill Hoadley Chalk
“Are you sure you have the correct date on your house? Is it 1860?”
Matthew Taylor
“1960?”
CarolJean Twitchell
“Or the set screw is the wrong size.”
Andrew O’Hanlon
“99.9% ???”
Thomas P. Newman
“You have a beautiful door and knob! I suggest a new screw! ”
Linda Linn
“I grew up in a late 1940’s house and they had these glass door knobs.”
Rickey Joel Nickoli
“I have the same problem, following.”
Vinnie Back
“Some houses still have those door knobs.”
Irene Parthum
“The threading could be stripped, or it may just need the screw on the knob it fits into tightened at the base (the other side of the door at the metal ring the glass knob fits into), once it is assembled. Glass knobs were more early 1900s than 1960s, but enjoy. If it still comes off, wrap a little plumber’s tape on the threading, so it has something to grip. I had one knob in my 1926 house that was pesky like this!”
Bobby Michaels
“Had the same exact handles and backing plates in the home my great grandfather built in the 30’s.”
Scot Carroll-Celona
“We had them at our house in Philadelphia. When I was 5, I was running after my brother & grabbed the glass knob in the foyer. It shattered in my hand.”
Sharlee Hill-Weller
“Perhaps they got ahold of some old hardware and used them on newer doors. Why not? People buy antique panel doors to replace thin/cheaply made doors, and buy antique light fixtures. Good ways to warm up the house.”
Rose Meeza Cappetta
“Go ask in Lowe’s or Home Depot, maybe check out This Old House episodes & see if they fixed such a problem.”
Susan Grossi
“Those remind me of the first apartment my grandparents were in.”
Randy Johnson
“We had glass door knobs, in one of the houses we lived in.”
Melissa Taylor Kidd
“Your knob could be as old as from the 1820s, but it looks more like the 1930s. Glass knobs were very popular during the depression because they were much cheaper to make than ones made out of metal. I’m not sure how you can fix it but I would definitely save it. You may be able to find reproduction ones that will match but the cost of replacing a true antique especially that style can cost you upwards to $150 or more.”
Sherry Dunaway
“We had these in our house in Indianapolis. We moved there in 1961-62.”
Drew Montmarquet
“Back the screw out all the way and inspect the screw. It’s possible that it’s worn down over the years and is not putting the pressure on the rod inside. You may just replace the screw.”
John Soran
“Looks more like a 1930s doorknob and backplate. Definitely not 1960s.”
William Hemminger
“I had them in my house also with the same problem. Take the knob off and see if you can turn the screw all the way in until it sticks through the center. Sometimes the threads on that set screw get messed up and it won’t go all the way through. If that’s the case, go to a hardware store or if you have a mechanic friend they could fix it. You can still buy them as a last resort.”
Richard Leader
“Do not get a replacement knob as it will not match all the other knobs in your house. Instead, take several strands of steel wool and wrap it around the threads of the knob stem. Also wrap some steel wool strands around the set screw. When you re-screw everything in, it should be super tight, plus you’ll be able to remove it if you ever have to.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
Read Also: Does anyone know what this is? It is over the basement door in our 1890’s home.
——————————
Owning a home from the 1960s comes with a unique charm and a sense of nostalgia. The architectural style, the materials used, and even the small details like glass doorknobs can take you back to a different era. However, with this vintage charm often comes a set of maintenance challenges, particularly when the house remains largely original. One common issue is the recurring problem of a glass doorknob that refuses to stay in place.
The Persistent Problem
Imagine this: the glass doorknob on your daughter’s bedroom door keeps coming off. Each time, you ensure it is properly reattached, with the screw tightened securely, yet somehow, after a few weeks, it works its way loose again. This cycle can be frustrating and perplexing. So, what might be causing this persistent problem, and how can you fix it for good?
Potential Causes
Wear and Tear Over Time: Even with the best maintenance, materials can degrade over decades. The threads inside the doorknob or the spindle it attaches to may be worn, causing the knob to loosen gradually with use.
Improper Alignment: If the spindle and the knob are not perfectly aligned when you tighten the screw, the knob might work itself loose more easily. Misalignment can cause uneven pressure on the screw, allowing it to loosen over time.
Vibration and Movement: Regular use of the door causes slight vibrations and movements. Over time, these can gradually work the screw loose, especially if it isn’t a perfect fit.
Incorrect Screw Size: Sometimes, the screw used to secure the doorknob might not be the original or the correct size. A screw that is too short or too narrow may not hold the knob as securely as needed.
Solutions to Consider
Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: Examine the doorknob and spindle for any signs of wear. If the threads are stripped or the spindle is worn down, consider replacing these parts. Original or reproduction parts can often be found at specialty hardware stores or online retailers.
Use Threadlocker: Applying a threadlocker adhesive to the screw before tightening it can help prevent it from loosening over time. Threadlocker creates a bond that holds the screw in place despite vibrations and movements.
Ensure Proper Alignment: Carefully align the doorknob and spindle before tightening the screw. This ensures even pressure and a more secure fit. Taking the time to get the alignment right can make a big difference in how long the knob stays attached.
Correct Screw Size: Verify that the screw being used is the correct size for the doorknob. If the original screw is lost, bringing the doorknob to a hardware store can help you find the right replacement.
Periodic Maintenance: Regularly check and tighten the screws on all your doorknobs as part of your home maintenance routine. This proactive approach can prevent many issues before they become significant problems.
Conclusion
Maintaining a vintage home, especially one that is 99.9% original, is both a labor of love and a commitment to preserving history. The recurring issue of a glass doorknob that won’t stay in place is not uncommon in older homes, but with careful inspection and the right solutions, you can resolve this problem. By understanding the potential causes and applying the appropriate fixes, you can ensure that your home remains functional and retains its charming character for years to come.