Do I really need a new door?

r2015

My back door is wooden with wired glass panels and a 3 point locking system which has failed, luckily it broke as I was opening the door or I would have never been able to open the door.


The hooks top and bottom ended up partially stuck out and I had to remove the locking mechanism to get the door to shut.


Something is broken in the locking mechanism as a little bit of metal fell out.


I now have a bolt on the door to keep it shut.


I went to a locksmith's shop to get a new locking system and he told me that it is now discontinued and not made any more and he does not have a replacement.


He did have one 8 years ago when my front door, which is the same type of door, also broke and the mechanism had to be replaced.


Perhaps I should have bought a spare but at £100 I didn't bother.


Then I began an internet search, to be told the same thing, replacements are not available.


I am quite happy with the present arrangement of a bolt on the door as for anyone to break into the house will have to climb over a 6 foot fence with a jaggy hedge on one side but of course my wife is not happy.


I have to lean something against the door at night that will make a noise ( the ironing board) if the door is forced open before I go to bed as she doesn't think 2 half inch screws in the door frame is sufficient to keep a determined burglar out.


So would you put up with a bolt keeping the door shut or would you get a new door?




http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=33tp3zt&s=9#.V5JDK4r6uUk

societys_child

I'd repair the locking mechanism, had to do it for friends and relatives a few times.

martinthebandit

Could you not just fit a Yale lock or similar?

d0nkeyk0ng

I'd be less concerned about wife and more concerned about home insurance - I'd imagine they'd take a dim view if anything did happen and the door wasn't adequately secured.

r2015

Could you not just fit a Yale lock or similar?

Aesthetics.

I'd repair the locking mechanism

There are no screws to take it apart, it is all riveted together.

Even the locksmith I contacted suggested a new door.

I'd be less concerned about wife and more concerned about home insurance -

There is also that.

cyclonebri1

OK, LOOK;

Money saving is the name of the game, but you can take it too far.

You say you last enquired about a similar door 8 years ago?. That inferres that both door were old back then, what 5 years old then minimum?

13 year old door that's no good anymore, do the sums.

Look again, I'm a yorkshireman, we have a reputation for being quite tight, but you are raising the Scots plateau to a whole new level if you don't spend a few squids

MeredithTThomas

I'd rather have my home secured even if it means spending a few quids to buy a new door and get the job done. Plus, I'm sure that'll make your wife happy.

Bigphil1474

I'd buy a second bolt - have one at the top and one at the bottom. I had my locking mechanism replaced on my front door about 10 years ago, and the locksmith told me that I should think about replacing the whole door. I took his advice - I'm thinking about it.
If the door is fine, and you don't need to be able to unlock it from the outside, then why bother replacing it. You can also get lockable swing type things (can't remember what they are called) - bit like window locks but for doors.