Door handle / lock stuck fast.......

Hi,

Don't ask me how, but wifey seems to have knackered our back door locking mechanism.

It's one of those where, before turning the key to lock, you pull the handle upwards to engage the (3, I think) bolts. Anyway, whatever I do, I can't now push handle down to release the bolts and open the door.

I see that I can unscrew the handle housing from the inside, but before I do so:

1. Any tips?

2. Am I likely to be able to fix this myself, or should I get a locksmith in pronto?

Cheers,
Mike.

If the handle will not go past the 3 or 9 o'clock position (horizontal in other words), and the lock cylinder is definately at the open position - then if I were you I'd try using a little more force to pursuade the handle downwards.

It's a common problem when the mechanism forces itself out of the rear of the casing, and jams in the process. It will ultimately need replacing, but once open you should be able to use it normally (it will probably grate a little) until you can get it replaced.