Door latch lever pin hole width

Question

Hi - it looks like this model (82-218) will fit the lock I need to replace. However, can you tell me what the width of the opening is in the part that the latch lever pin from the handle threads through? I bought another replacement lock from another manufacturer, and to my surprise found the lever pin I have is slightly too wide to fit through this hole.

My old lock width is 3/16 inch wide, whereas the one I bought is 2/16 inch wide, so doesn't work. Pics show what I mean - the lock on left is the old one which you can see has slightly wider opening where the pin goes through versus the new one on the right (outlined in red). I could buy a new thumb latch mechanism, but my handle is gold and can only find these in white. Thanks.

Tom · Accepted Answer

Thanks for posting! This is a very odd circumstance. I've never heard of a version of the 82-218 with a wider tail slot like you describe. It's possible that yours is a generic alternative, but even ignoring that it should work with your handle. It's also possible that the original installers altered it for whatever reason. Maybe the thumb tail on your handle set was defective, and instead of getting a new one, the installer used a file to make the hole thicker.

I can't say for certain. The only certainty I do have is that this is not a normal size.

Either way, I ran to the back with my calipers and measured the slot myself. The width was ~0.27" and the thickness was ~0.10, give or take a thousandth. This is a standard size designed to work specifically with your style of handle.

We do sell the 82-107 thumb lever, but like you pointed out, it's only made in white.

Sorry we couldn't get you an easier option!