Hints on fixing this "security door" latch?

[skotl]

Kitchen door - one of those with four (IIRC) hooky things that engage in a metal frame, vertically.

Door locks and unlocks ok, and handle has full movement. Took the handle off and tried a vice grip and no difference - trying to open it seems to have it stick in the middleish of the door.

Any hints before I splurge on a locksmith?

 

[Onoff]

Unlock at the same time as bouncing up and down a bit on a door lifter aka bit of flat bar, screwdriver laid over a bit of tube etc. Probably find one of the 5 levers is caught. Can you hear them moving when you lock / unlock? Similarly wedge / lever the non hinge side so as to move the door towards the hinge.

 

[Misterg]

When it happened to ours, there was something broken off inside the latch mechanism that worked the rack for the "hooky things". It occasionally jammed the mechanism, but you could usually jiggle the key / handle and get it to open... Until the day we couldn't!

Replacement mechanism was the answer, once we eventually managed to get the latch to open again - they're widely available, but you need to see the code on your old one which is somewhere on the latching face.

 

[Onoff]

The mechanisms are a bit notorious for getting gummy. Same for the hinges on uPVC windows etc. Lidl graphite spray is good. You might try putting a wad of cloth on the floor and trying to squirt something in from the top to douse the mechanism.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Same as Ono, my son had the same problem, Door hooks got very stiff, I put a small crow bar under the door on the latch side, as said bounce the door up and down while somebody puts pressure on the door handle, took a little while, but worked well, when open free'd up the door slider and hooks,

 

[Onoff]

I can't recommend the guy here enough. Allan's his name. Encyclopedic knowledge of all things to do with doors and windows. Helped me out a few times with bits that were at first quite daunting:

Upvc Door Locks, Door Handles and Window Hardware - UPVC Spares 4 Repairs

UPVC Spares 4 Repairs

upvcspares4repairs.co.uk

 

[Onoff]

When you do sort it make sure the plates on the door frame are secure. These are in fact sometimes adjustable, can move and cause catching problems. Don't overdo it on the tightening, they usually go into the plastic and can strip. Hinges too might be adjustable.

 

[angellonewolf]

As above look at the square Ness of the door in the frame it's prob droped a bit

 

[bricol]

Similar happened with the door at my mums house - WD40 (better lubricants more suitable are available) sprayed here, there and everywhere greatly assisted in getting it working, and keeping it working.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

When it happened to ours, there was something broken off inside the latch mechanism that worked the rack for the "hooky things". It occasionally jammed the mechanism

This happened to my garage door too...basically some bits inside snapped and the handle would no longer operate the mechanism smoothly. I was lucky it happened while open.

For a while it was intermittent and would jam up occasionally.

 

[dan treg]

if the mechanism is broken sometimes you can undo the 3 hinges and pins and slightly open door from the hinge side

 

[Smallfry]

Sounds like a bit of the linkage is worn, not allowing full movement, or broken.

Replacing the mechanism, or part of it, is the easy bit, one you have identified which type and size you have.

Difficult bit is getting the door open to get to it.

Back in the summer we had a similar problem. Eventually got the door open by operating the lock and repeatedly moving the handle at various speeds and force. If you do get it open, DO NOT close the door again or try to lock it to see if it has fixed itself. Dont ask !

My problem was caused by the screw that hold the lock cylinder in place. It was too long, and pushed against the lock case until it broke. It is important to use the correct length screw.

 

[skotl]

Thanks all. Tried all of the above but I reckon all I'm gonna do is break the door

Oh well... locksmith it is

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

On mine it jammed...a piece of the casting had broken off and got lodged. It was a small piece but enough to jam it.

You might be able to try poking something flexible in there (like a cable tie) in the hole under the handle. If you can dislodge the jam it may open.

Once you have it open you can then disconnect the mechanism...then lock the door with the key only.

 

[Onoff]

How about.....

Chock it underneath to stop it from dropping, stack of timber packs etc.

Then take the hinges off and slide to the right.

?

 

[angellonewolf]

How about.....

Chock it underneath to stop it from dropping, stack of timber packs etc.

Then take the hinges off and slide to the right.

?

dought would work as most have hooks on not just bolts

 

[Craig-SM]

Not sure if this is any good or already been covered.

 

[RichardM]

How about.....

Chock it underneath to stop it from dropping, stack of timber packs etc.

Then take the hinges off and slide to the right.

?

As well as hooks it may have pins which engage at the bottom and top of the lock side of the door (shoot bolts). Our conservatory doors do.
As above, but not going to help you until the door is open.
Ours needed a new gearbox and I took out the hooking mechanism which wasn't working correctly until the new gearbox arrived.
I have also had the end of the latch starting to work loose, it's retained by a screw on ours.

 

[skotl]

Turns out the lock latch had snapped in the housing.
So now £192 poorer but cheaper than a new door.

 

[Onoff]

Turns out the lock latch had snapped in the housing.
So now £192 poorer but cheaper than a new door.

What did he do, unlock, remove the hinges and shift to one side?