UPVC front door lock problem :s

[eapie]

Hello all,

I have a problem with my UPVC front door and would appreciate any help. It is the type of door where you lift the handle up and then turn the key to lock.
Turning the key has been getting increasingly difficult and now has to be forced to lock it. I’ve replaced the Euro cylinder but this hasn’t helped. I'm currently using the back door as I’m scared it is just going to break completely and leave me with an unlocked front door.

I don’t know anything about this type of door other than how to change the lock. I’m worried that it is a problem with a part inside the door which I assume isis a sealed unit. Does any one have any ideas on what I should do next?
The problem turning the key is the same whether the door is open or shut and the handle moves up without any problem. The problem really is turning the key.

Thanks in advance.
Eapie

 

[derv1980]

bit of a strange one that,
try taking the barrel out again and see if that turns freely with the key in if it does then its deffo a problem with the locking mechanism or you havent quite aligned the barrel up properly.
i had a similar thing with a patio door locking mechanism, very difficult to lock properly, i took the locking mech out and gave it a good squirt with wd-40 put it back it back in and it worked fine after that, some of the swarf from the routing of the pvc had got stuck in the mechanism.
when i put the barrells in i open the door, slide in the barrell, throw the handle and get it so the key turns freely, then stick the retaining screw in.
if none of that works i'd say a new locking mechanisn is in order.

 

[HandyHands]

Not strange - very common. It sounds like your frame strikes are not in line with your locking mechanism (the bits that come out of the door, or slide up/down, don't fit correctly into the bits on the door frame). The way to test this, is to lock the door in the open position - ie open the door, lift the handle up, and turn the key. If it turns easily, then the above is your problem.

To remedy, you can either try adjusting the hinges, adjusting the frame strikes, or get the door "toe & heeled" - lifted and re-packed to bring it back into square.

 

[derv1980]

i would have said the same but he did mention in his post that the problem happens with the door open or closed

 

[HandyHands]

oops - teach me to read the whole question

Likely the mech is on its way out then. Unless the OP is confident in taking these apart (assuming its not riveted), I'd advise leaving alone and call a locksmith to sort it out.

 

[Watchmaker]

I had a similar problem with a new door but, in that case, the manufacturers sent me a complete new assembly. However, if you have replaced the barrel, you will be familiar with the way the barrel fits into the door frame, ie, usually secured with a single screw, Have you tightened this screw ( or any others which might be fitted to your particular door), too much? It's worth leaving the barrel securing screw/s a bit loose and letting the barrel assembly "float" while you check the operation of the key. It may be that the barrel/lock mechanism is too far in, or out, of it's housing, and is fouling something within the door frame where, there is not much clearance.
You mention that the assembly might be a sealed unit but, close inspection of the door edge should show securing screws, which allow the multi latching assembly to be taken out.

 

[eapie]

Thanks for your replies.

Having had another look at it last night it seems that the door (even when open) turns more or less ok to start with and perhaps even locks but the problem then is that it needs another half turn of the key to get the key out. It's this final half turn that really has to be forced.

Eapie