Unable to open French Doors!

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:25 pm Post Subject: Unable to open French Doors!

Hey there
M y double french doors that open outwards are stuck and i am unable to open them!
i am able to move the key to open the lock and it opens the locks at the top an bottom of the door!- although it does not appear to open the main lock in the middle!( i can push the door out and see daylight at both top and bottom of the door ) Would it be wise to force the door open?? - Or would this damage the door?
Other thing to note is that when you pull the door back onto the frame and pull the handle upwards and turn key to lock it appears to lock fine!

Im more used to solving plumbing and heating problems so any suggestions would be helpful !

thanks

JohnD · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:36 pm Post Subject:

are they plastic?

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:39 pm Post Subject:

yes plastic

JohnD · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:51 pm Post Subject:

don't know then

I suppose it has a Euro profile lock cylinder

If you can attach a photo of the lock mechanism (where visible) and the maker's name on the key, it may trigger some answers.

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:04 pm Post Subject:

I know a picture would be helpful although i am unable to post one at the moment the lock looks to have an L on it! and the key says LSH

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:58 pm Post Subject:

trying to fiddle around with the door all night!
It appears to lock and unlock fine - it feels as though something is blocking the door from opening!

The hinges of this door are on the outside - does anyone have experince of taking this type of door off its hinge. I wana avoid forcing the door open as scared i will totally damage it!

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:22 pm Post Subject:

Right! i managed to open the doors and i can see that the hooks (three) do not fully retract into the door when i pull the handle down! - Does this mean i need a new lock? or is there a way to repair!?

gregers · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:22 pm Post Subject:

im wondering if something has siezed up.try spraying with silicone lube,wait a bit sray again and then give the doors a bit of a rattle?

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SortedPlumbing · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:27 pm Post Subject:

Thanks for the reply! i will try that tomorra as i have managed to get it locked tonite! Hopefully i dont need a new lock!

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:15 pm Post Subject:

Tryed WD40 and still no joy!
The three hooks are just not retracting into the door fully! Need to take it apart tomora

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:21 pm Post Subject:

Cheers

derv1980 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:24 pm Post Subject:

it is possible (if the door has them) that the top and bottom shoot bolts have slipped out of the mechanism. you would need to take the mechanism out of the door, reset the shootbolts in the right place and put a dab of superglue to stop them popping out again..

SortedPlumbing · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:47 am Post Subject:

Problem sorted.......managed to force door open......took lock off of door and just tryed puttin it back on

Lock is now working better than before! something must have been jamed!

Glad i dont need a new lock!