SOURCE: Deadlatch malfunctioning. Mechanism is slipping and latch is not retracting when pulling down on lever knob. (It does work when pulling up, but who opens a door that way!)
SOLUTION: replace deadlatch
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tl;dr
TROUBLESHOOTING
When a door knob’s action feels rough, it could just need a little lube. Dry lube is best, I happened to only have WD-40 on hand. Normally, I’ve got a needle oiler filled with sewing oil that is amazing at dispensing just the right amount. It’s a light oil, and very little mess. It’s great for locks, hinges, etc…
That didn’t work.
The lever didn’t retract when pulling down, but did when pulling up.
I took the handle off to investigate further.
On the passage side, use the pin that comes with the knob or some sort of pick to remove lever. (For keyed side, you need to turn the key to be able to do this, but you just need to remove the lever on one side to access screws. This differs for different locksets)
Remove cap covering lock plate (a putty knife or screwdriver should do, just be gentle as not to scuff up surface).
Remove two screws holding the knobs together and remove knobs
Remove two screws holding latch to door
With latch in hand, and turning the knob, it was easy to see how the mechanism was slipping in one direction and not the other. Maybe it’s repairable. I don’t know. But it’ll probably take more time than it’s worth. Since it still technically works, I just put a sign, until we get the replacement part.
Reached out to the manufacturer to identify the part (none of the numbers on the part were actual part numbers)
Searched online, bought the part.
RESOURCES:
the difference between a deadlatch and spring latch video