Locking hell!

TheFew · 23 May 2022 at 18:16

How do!

I have a bit of a door based problem..

I have a fairly standard composite door, with the usual multipoint locking system. Recently the door has become a bugger to open. Pushing the handle down to get the locking mechanism to open takes some force.

This issue occurs when the door is open (so not a snagging in the frame issue) and also occurs when the lock barrel is removed.

So not sure what to do with it...

Is it likely to be a simple issue?

Or will I need a new locking mechanism?

Or the multipoint locks fairly standard door to door? I.e. buy the correct size and just screw it in... or do I need to get a lock Smith out?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks

radderfire · 23 May 2022 at 19:58

My view - if you are going to call someone out, then a tradesperson with DIY skills should be able to do it. A locksmith is for emergency lock-outs and tend to charge accordingly.

Also, if you can see a brand on the door, then call the company and ask them.

Lean · 23 May 2022 at 20:27

Check the frame is plumb. Possible the locking system is slightly misaligned? Older doors have worn mechanisms. Or with the recent warm weather certain doors expand. I think Rosewood doors (many dark doors) were notorious for this.

darael · 23 May 2022 at 21:56

I don't know if this will help, but during winter some of my window handles became very stiff to turn. A few generous squirts of WD40 at the sides, where the rods come out, made the mechanism feel as good as new. I was quite surprised how much of a difference it made and the handles still feel just as good now.

jpaul · 23 May 2022 at 21:57

suspect it is the gearbox - especially if it occurs when door is open, such that it not misalignment causing the bolts to be tight to extend/withdraw into frame
we have some unreliability on ours for unlocking and locking, so I had specified one of these, there are few utube videos on how to change them.

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Mysterae_ · 23 May 2022 at 22:47

My door handle had some crunching sound and vibration when putting the handle down - a spring for the return position of the handle broken when my lad malky'd the handle too hard.

MassiveJim · 24 May 2022 at 01:12

How old is the door ?
Can you remove the locking mech and see if it is branded ?

I recently had a gearbox basically disintegrate and had to replace the entire locking mech, even though it was an oddball gearbox with a non standard size it only cost about £120, and the fittings was very straight forward, easily diy'able

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:32

darael said:
I don't know if this will help, but during winter some of my window handles became very stiff to turn. A few generous squirts of WD40 at the sides, where the rods come out, made the mechanism feel as good as new. I was quite surprised how much of a difference it made and the handles still feel just as good now.

Thanks. Will go this a go as a first solution.

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:34

MassiveJim said:
How old is the door ?
Can you remove the locking mech and see if it is branded ?

I recently had a gearbox basically disintegrate and had to replace the entire locking mech, even though it was an oddball gearbox with a non standard size it only cost about £120, and the fittings was very straight forward, easily diy'able

The lock is a Yale YS170 12 so guess I could just buy the same again. Is it just a case of plopping that in Google and pressing purchase, or are they some subtleties to consider, e.g. different sizes?

darael · 24 May 2022 at 17:35

TheFew said:
Thanks. Will go this a go as a first solution.

Make sure you squirt the WD40 right inside, not on the actual rods sticking out of the door itself. As you squirt a bit of WD40 in, keep trying the door to see if it feels any better. If this works and you think the lock feels good, put another squirt in to be sure - better to have plenty than not enough.

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:36

jpaul said:
suspect it is the gearbox - especially if it occurs when door is open, such that it not misalignment causing the bolts to be tight to extend/withdraw into frame
we have some unreliability on ours for unlocking and locking, so I had specified one of these, there are few hutube videos on how to change them.

Yale Lockmaster Sprung Multipoint Door Lock Gearbox - 45mm Backset - 92mm c/c | IronmongeryDirect | Same Day Despatch

Yale Lockmaster Sprung Multipoint Door Lock Gearbox - 45mm Backset - 92mm c/c available at great trade prices with easy and free returns. Order Multipoint Door Locks before 8pm for same day despatch.

www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

Thanks.

If I replace the mechanism, how do I know what size to buy, without disassembling to door first?

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:36

darael said:
Make sure you squirt the WD40 right inside, not on the actual rods sticking out of the door itself. As you squirt a bit of WD40 in, keep trying the door to see if it feels any better. If this works and you think the lock feels good, put another squirt in to be sure - better to have plenty than not enough.

Will do. Will have to go by some first!

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:46

OK. Found a useful video.. so think I need a 35mm backset yale!

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 17:47

Would anyone happy to know that the "12" in the Yale YS170 12 refers too?

Thebug · 24 May 2022 at 18:49

Have a look here they have all got the measurements in the pics, your mechanism should have a name down the face of it, if you have somewhere local I would take it down to be sure, but deffo change it before it breaks completely as it can be a ballache to open if it breaks when closed.

Multi-Point Door Locks | Multipoint Lock Replacement

With a wide range of UPVC and composite multi-point door locks available, we're sure that you'll find the perfect lock for your home or business.

security-hardware.co.uk

Cadder · 24 May 2022 at 18:55

I have some PTFE spray lubricant in the garage which I used when our door was doing something similar. Instant improvement. Little sprays in all the locking points sorted ours out and it works spot on now.

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 19:32

Cadder said:
I have some PTFE spray lubricant in the garage which I used when our door was doing something similar. Instant improvement. Little sprays in all the locking points sorted ours out and it works spot on now.

Ordered some from screwfix. Worth a punt at £7 when a new lock is around £90.

WJA96 · 24 May 2022 at 19:39

Don’t use WD40. It’s for freeing up seized threads, it’s not a lubricant. It just makes everything sticky. Use GT85. Its what the National Locksmith School and Guild of Master Locksmiths recommend. And it’s cheap as chips.

TheFew · 24 May 2022 at 20:43

WJA96 said:
Don’t use WD40. It’s for freeing up seized threads, it’s not a lubricant. It just makes everything sticky. Use GT85. Its what the National Locksmith School and Guild of Master Locksmiths recommend. And it’s cheap as chips.

On amazon it's cheaper than chips!

MassiveJim · 24 May 2022 at 21:09

TheFew said:
The lock is a Yale YS170 12 so guess I could just buy the same again. Is it just a case of plopping that in Google and pressing purchase, or are they some subtleties to consider, e.g. different sizes?

No Idea,

I would just ring the place I went to get my last lock and ask them.

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