ERA conservatory door catch stuck halfway

[JimboMarimbo]

The single large uPVC external door won’t close: the wedge shaped catch is jammed halfway and will not retract or move at all: and the spindle cannot shift it. I’m not talking about the multi-point locking system, just the normal open and shut with the handle movement – a single catch on the handle/spindle assembly at the halfway point on the door. I’ve unscrewed the two handles and wiggled the spindle about but it does not move the catch in or out. Any advice would be welcome on this very windy day, as I’ve had to rope the door tied to the furniture!

 

[ronniecabers]

Have you some photos please?

Is the handle working at all? If so
Work out which way its supposed to go ... wd40 it , then gently tap with a hammer and see if it moves

 

[JimboMarimbo]

Thanks for that - I'd already given it the WD40 treatment, and when I went to reassemble the handles and spindle, the handles worked again, properly. Half an hour later the handles did nothing again, yet when I loosened the screws and tried just one handle, it turned and the catch retracted - however, pushing the open catch with a finger, it only went in halfway, so the door will not close with a pull.

 

[ronniecabers]

Sounds like the gearbox is on the way out

 

[JimboMarimbo]

The installation is about eight years old, exposed to all the weather from the open garden beyond, I reckon you are right. Replacement gboxes are available for £20 and a DIY job it is then. Thanks for your input.