5-point lock door won't open

DiiFMaritime

I am about to move into new accomodation and was having problems getting in today.

I understand from the landload that the door has a 5-point lock and requires me to lift the handle whilst turning the key to open the door. I can hear the locking mechanism unlocking when I lift the handle and turn the key, but the door simply won't open (I bet my neighbours think I am very dodgy:o)

My question is - have I missed something, is that why the door won't open? Or is the door broken - will I need to get someone to come and fix it?

Sorry I can't be more specific as this is the first time I have heard of the term "5-point lock" and would appreicate any advise:)

JohnB47

Not sure if we have a five point locking one but on ours you need to lift the handle, then release it, before you use the key to lock it. We don't touch the handle when using the key to unlock.

ohreally

Lifting the handle usually engages the mechanism.

Ectophile

From my limited experience, multi-point locking systems require you to lift the handle to lock it, and push the handle down to unlock it.

jellie

Same here, lift handle up then turn key to lock. Turn key then press handle down to unlock.

DiiFMaritime

Thanks all - after unlocking the door, I tried pushing the handle up or down and still no luck. The only thing I haven't tried is kicking the door down:(

Does this mean it is the mechanism that is gone - or could it be the cold weather?

Norman_Castle

If its unlocked the door should open when the handle is pushed down. If possible try from inside. It is possible the mechanism has failed. Ask the landlord to demonstrate opening the door.

will I need to get someone to come and fix it?

No. The landlord is responsible.

tanith

on our new front door you have to pull the handle down whilst turning the key at the same time IYSWIM

DiiFMaritime

Norman_Castle wrote: »

If its unlocked the door should open when the handle is pushed down. If possible try from inside. It is possible the mechanism has failed. Ask the landlord to demonstrate opening the door.

No. The landlord is responsible.

I am afraid I can't get in to try from the inside - good job I have not actually moved in yet - it would be a nightmare!

The landlord is away at the moment so will have to give it another go tonight.....

HHarry

Previous posters are correct that you shouldn't need to lift the handle to unlock, but it can help if the key is sticky. You could try;

Lift handle, and turn key to unlock
Pull handle down to disengage locking mechanism (this will often open the latch as well, but not always)
Turn key further to open the latch (if not opened by pulling handle down)

Sometimes if the latch is operated by the key it can be a bit stiff, pulling the door towards you whilst you turn the key might help.