Changing a door barrel?

Question

My UPVC door barrel appears to be broken, but it is stuck in a locked position.

I can turn the key, and it clicks like it does when you unlock it, but the door won't open because the bits that insert themselves into the door frame to lock the door don't seem to be moving into an unlocked state. (if that makes sense)

Is there a way around this without calling in a locksmith? In theory, could I take the door off the hinges, and lift it out of the grooves on the door frame? Or if I take the handle off, and give the spindle the biggun' with a spanner, would that help?

Excuse my ignorance, and thanks for any help..

Answer 1

Hello......Open the door, in the side of the door there is a small s***w which goes into the door, holding the barrel in situ.  Undo the s***w and the barrel slides out. To replace it take the barrel with you (as they vary in length) to be sure you het the right one. Try a handyman shop and go to a UPVC as a last resort as this will cost! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

it would be easyer if you just change the whole lock.just buy a like for like lock.take the old lock to your nearest locksmith

and ask for the same lock.and make sure the lock opens and closers the same way.and put it in.your barrel on your old one could be quite a few things wrong with it. best of luck.

Answer 3

Don't take the handle off and try to force the spindle, this is designed to be a weak point so that the door can't be forced open from outside when it's locked. From the fact that you are thinking of forcing the spindle I deduce that the handle is not moving into the unlatching position

Have you kept the locking mechanism lubricated, you are meant to oil all the locking points once or twice a year. If you haven't done this it might be worth trying to spray some WD40 into any point that might penetrate the door (keyhole). Before you do this, try spraying some light lubricant onto the key and trying the key in each side of the door in turn. It may still work from the other side with a bit of help.

Has someone tried to slam the door closed with the bolts extended, I have seen this happen and it causes a similar problem. The good news is, if you do manage to open the door and lubricate everything it does usually correct itself because the bolts are difficult to bend.

If you try taking the hinges off remember that the bolts are hooked into the frame so it may still be difficult to remove the door. Sometimes the mortice bolt, near the lock, expands as it extends so that it holds the door into the frame, making removal impossible.

If you take the hinges off get some help. A double glazed UPVC door can be surprisingly heavy. If it falls out of the frame it will either break the frame or bend the bolts, either of which will be more expensive than getting a locksmith in.

Answer 4

i don't think there is anything wrong with the lock, it sounds like the spindle in the gearing is worn, and just turning without operating the mechanism.. if you remove the handle you will find the spindle if that turns without opening the door, i'm afraid you will have to find a new backset(mechanism)...<^><...

you could try removing the handle, and pulling out the spindle you will see the square hole that it fits into that is probably rounded if you have a big flat ended screwdriver, put it in the hole and turn it like you would the handle but thats a very temporary answer of course

Answer 5

It sounds like something broke inside.......if I'm right it's just a little piece of flat metal about 3 in long....that brakes in the middle............have someone take it apart and look.........you might need a hole new lock or just part.