Hi everyone,

I have Google'd this NG for an answer to my problem, but nothing was
aparent.

Rightie-ho, we have a uPVC front door with a standard 5 point mortice
lock. Lately the handle was difficult to move, mainly on the inside of
the door, but lately this has been *very* temperamental to move to
allow us to open the door. We have a similar problem with the outside
handle but not as severe. I'm worried that one day it simply won't
operate at all and we'll be stuck outside.

Typically, the company we used to fit the door a few years back have
recently gone out of business - after going for 18 years, so hardly a
flash in the pan company.

Now, are these relatively simple things whereby a numptie like me
could unscrew the handle on the inside and see what's come loose - as
I suspect has happened - or is it not worth mucking about with, and
just call a Locksmith to sort it?

Many thanks in advance.

"Dave Jennings" <intruder1> wrote in message
news:0330
[..]
>
> Now, are these relatively simple things whereby a numptie like me
> could unscrew the handle on the inside and see what's come loose - as
> I suspect has happened - or is it not worth mucking about with, and
> just call a Locksmith to sort it?
>
> Many thanks in advance.
> --
> Dave Jennings
>

Try some aerosol white grease or similar. spray liberally into every opening
where there is a moving part. Removing a handle can be a good way at getting
some lube in.

"Dave Jennings" <intruder1> wrote in message
news:0330
[..]
> flash in the pan company.
>
> Now, are these relatively simple things whereby a numptie like me
> could unscrew the handle on the inside and see what's come loose - as
> I suspect has happened - or is it not worth mucking about with, and
> just call a Locksmith to sort it?
>
> Many thanks in advance.
> --
> Dave Jennings

If lubriaction in all moving aprts (including the bolts which expand all
round the door) then are
there some screws in the side of the door near the lock? Are they loose or
have they moved?

Try loosening them slightly, and jiggling the handle + lock a bit then
re-tighten.

Phil

"Phil B" <phil.remove.brady> wrote in message
news:ygqa
>
> "Dave Jennings" <intruder1> wrote in message
> news:0330
>
> If lubriaction in all moving aprts (including the bolts which expand all
> round the door) then are
> there some screws in the side of the door near the lock? Are they loose
> or have they moved?
>
> Try loosening them slightly, and jiggling the handle + lock a bit then
> re-tighten.


Sounds like your lock is knackered, a locksmith will identify it & get a
replacement, your cylinder won't need replacing.

Dave Jennings wrote:

> Rightie-ho, we have a uPVC front door with a standard 5 point mortice
> lock. Lately the handle was difficult to move, mainly on the inside of
> the door, but lately this has been *very* temperamental to move to
> allow us to open the door.

Is this when you are locking the door, or just opening/closing it?

Also, what happens if you work the mechanism with the door hanging open
(ie, when the bits aren't engaging with the door frame)? Are tye
symptoms the same, or do they go away?

David

On 11 Jun, 17:37, "Phil B" <philremovebr> wrote:


> there some screws in the side of the door near the lock? Are they loose or
> have they moved?

Yes, there are two on the handle inside the door . They're both tight.
>
> Try loosening them slightly, and jiggling the handle + lock a bit then
> re-tighten.

Will do, ta.

On 11 Jun, 19:37, Lobster <davidlobsterpot> wrote:
> Is this when you are locking the door, or just opening/closing it?

Both.

> Also, what happens if you work the mechanism with the door hanging open
> (ie, when the bits aren't engaging with the door frame)? Are tye
> symptoms the same, or do they go away?

The same. I assume with my luck that means the entire thing is FUBAR,
requiring a total house rebuild. At least, that's the way it's been so
far this week, and it's only Tuesday!