DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

Our back door has been become very difficult to lock and unlock over the last few weeks. Think it may have something to do with our heavy handed child, " yanking" the handle up as far as she can when locking it, despite being told not to, kids!!!

Last night Dave went to unlock the door to let our dog into the garden and it would not unlock!! The key moves a little, either direction but the handle will not budge, resulting in the door not being able to be unlocked. They key comes out as Dave took it out and tried to open it from outside, but no joy.

Please can anyone gives us any advice on how to fix this problem, can it be done without having to spend any money more importantly!!!

Thanks in advance

Dave and Lisa

davenlis,
Almost impossible to tell you how to solve this problem. It is very unlikely to be the key tumbler and that leaves the shoot bolt mechanism. If there is sufficient gap around the door you may be able to use a thin bladed implement to assist withdrawing the shoot bolts - depends on the door design.
end

Is the handle loose ? The mech has probably failed.Call a locksmith because even if you do get it open then what ? You wont just pop down b&q to get a replacement as there are so many varients.

[quote="davenlis"]Hi,

Our back door has been become very difficult to lock and unlock over the last few weeks. Think it may have something to do with our heavy handed child, " yanking" the handle up as far as she can when locking it, despite being told not to, kids!!!

Last night Dave went to unlock the door to let our dog into the garden and it would not unlock!! The key moves a little, either direction but the handle will not budge, resulting in the door not being able to be unlocked. They key comes out as Dave took it out and tried to open it from outside, but no joy.

Please can anyone gives us any advice on how to fix this problem, can it be done without having to spend any money more importantly!!!

Thanks in advance

Dave and Lisa[/quote]

Is the door UPVC or timber?

Try lifting the handle as high as it will go and turning the key in the unlocking direction.
If that doesn't work, as Allan says, you'll have to get a locksmith as the there's probably a fault in the gearbox in the mechanism. Have the handles flopped down? If so, it's definately the mech.