Front door Lock mechanism catching

[twixx]

Please forgive my lack of knowledge in regards to terminology, but the higher and lower hooks are not fully retracting into the door, so are catching on the frame almost every time we attempt to open the door.

To me, the bit circled in red looks like a kind of shim/riser. It looks like it could be removed. But… is this reinforcing things? Enhancing/helping with security? Or could it be removed potentially?

Alternatively, what is the mechanism called? Should that be fixed/replaced/modified?

 

[crank39]

No it's not a shim but rather the adjustable slot when you turn those tiny torx screws, it moves that 'shim' sideways allowing more or less compression on the gasket when lifting the handle to lock, it serves a job so isn't removable.

If the hooks aren't fully retracting and slightly poking out even when the handle is right down suggests wear in the centre gearbox of the mechanism, have a look up and down the strip on the door for any makers markings, I'll stick my neck out and say it's a composite
door not a uPVC and also say it's a Wink Haus looking mechanism

 

[twixx]

Super. I’ll report back.

 

[twixx]

You are 2 for 2. WinkHaus, and Composite. Good work detective.

So basically, new gearbox? The ABS euro cylinder is often "sticky" and I lube it fairly frequently with the correct lube (forget the type). Could the euro cylinder being sticky be the route cause? OR, are they both in need of a fix up?

 

[crank39]

The cylinder has one job and that's to flick over a tab that locks the gearbox in the locked position, you can even try it, slide it out and operate the handle, you'll see the hooks still won't fully retract, as a temp measure gives the handle a good sharp fast pull downwards and the hooks will retract but over time the weight of the hooks means they'll creep out, it's slop in the gearbox and very common on Winkhaus systems.

The gearboxes can be changed on these, bit unconventional compared to others but easily done, if you Google search Winkhaus gearboxes the size you'll need is a 92PZ and 45mm backset, your cylinder should be a 35mm/35mm

 

[twixx]

Should I opt for a different option than WinkHaus?

Or what about variants? I see WH Thunderbolt & WH Dragon.

I’ve been looking at smart locks. Are there any gearbox/lock solutions that remove/negate the lift to lock functionality?

 

[Scally-Ho]

I'm not a lock expert, but whatever you choose it will all have to fit exactly into the recesses that the door provides.
I've always been well served by e-bay sellers, but maybe I'm just lucky.

 

[crank39]

Never been a fan of smart locks so never fitted any so can't comment, I like to keep it simple, in terms of a replacement gearbox then I would recommend removing the complete system from the door and match up the gearbox to sellers in internet, probably isn't many variations other than single and twin spindle

 

[twixx]

In terms of gearbox, WinkHaus AV4 is looking good, I’m liking the auto latching. Measuring up I’m 1770.

Regarding smart locks, I’ve had a few plays, and looking at the Yale Linus 2, as it has support for Lift to Lock, and it's not as intrusive as some, like the Nuki I played with… however, if I pair the Linus 2 with a WinkHause AV4 gearbox, the lift to lock is seemingly irrelevant.

What does a Radius or Square ‘end’ refer to though? Is it the end of the metal strip? My current is a half circle… which I’m assume could be Radius.

 

[crank39]

Radiused is the curved ends of the mechanism, also yours is 20mm faceplate not 16mm, if ordering a new mechanism then beware of two things, #1 the mechanisms are handed left and right, the hook in the picture clearly shows its tapered on one edge, this allows it to pull the door tighter onto the gasket as the travels into its slot on the frame so order the correct hand. #2 If your changing the mechanism for another then make sure the hooks fall in the same place otherwise you'll need to reposition the frame keeps and router out new holes which the existing keeps MAY NOT cover if moved far

Hence why I like to keep things simple and just change the gearbox

 

[twixx]

Cheers @crank39 very helpful and much appreciated.

The AV4 is apparently “non-handed”, which also appealed. Much like the Ultion Bolt. Both claim to make the multi-lock ‘simple’ and much more tolerant of movement etc

 

[twixx]

Returned from jollies and fitted the AV4. Almost like for like fitment.

Slight modifications required to the recesses on the door and frame, but nothing a dremel didn’t fix.

What I found most interesting was that the AV4, is actually an AV3 or at least marked AV3 on the main latch gearbox, but with AV4.1 hooks…