Really stiff front door!!

ftb_deena

Hi all,

We had our windows/doors replaced last October. Unfortunately the company went bust so can't go back to them for help...

Anyway our front door is SO stiff to open/lock. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can make it less so? TIA x

Jackmydad

Is it stiff to open and close, or stiff to actually lock?
Ie. is it the handle mechanism that's stiff, or the actual lock itself.
I use a ptfe lube on the door mechanism, and a silicon dry spray on the actual lock.
Not the normal "WD40" in the blue and yellow can. It's OK at a pinch for the moving parts of the handle mechanism but not the actual lock itself.

ftb_deena

Thanks for the reply!

It's the handle mechanism, you have to lift it to lock the door and its soooo difficult to lift up, and when you open the door you have to push down which is also very stiff.

Where would I put the PTFE lube exactly?

peachyprice

I use a graphite lube on my locks, it makes a huge difference, the locks are smooth and easy to operate after a squirt.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143201844492

Jackmydad

ftb_deena wrote: »

Thanks for the reply!

It's the handle mechanism, you have to lift it to lock the door and its soooo difficult to lift up, and when you open the door you have to push down which is also very stiff.

Where would I put the PTFE lube exactly?

I usually fit the nozzle / tube or whatever it's called, and turn the handle so the catch goes in and squirt a bit past there, a bit past the locking bolt in the lock, and in / around the locking bars, shoot bolts or whatever down the side of the door. Seems to work OK for me. Bit of kitchen roll or whatever held around the nozzle stops it squirting everywhere. Wipe any excess off the outside. I try to be pretty sparing with the lube. I do mine once a year or so.

As said by peachyprice there is specialist lube for the actual lock itself. Also worth having a look to see what the lock maker recommends.

peachyprice

Jackmydad wrote: »

As said by peachyprice there is specialist lube for the actual lock itself. Also worth having a look to see what the lock maker recommends.

That graphite stuff is magic, my daughter and I were putting some Ikea furniture together last week, we couldn't fit some metal poles together, out came the graphite and they went together like a dream!

eamon

Don't use WD40.


You need either Graphite or Silicone spray. Though there isn't much in the locking mechanism to actually spray. Sometimes the installer overtightens the fixing screws to the handles. Try a 1/4 turn to release some of the tension.

knightstyle

If the above does not work look at the metal plates on the door jam. The door slides a roller behind them when the handle is lifted. You can lubricate these rollers and/or move the plates out a bit trial and error to find the problem.

nickcc

I use the 3 in 1 aerosol spray in my UPVC dooor and window locks and handles.

-taff

If lubriating the door parts doesn't work, you'll eed to check your frame is square and the the door is hung in the right place. I have problems with one door because it keeps slipping down, so I have to yank the handle and it loudly clunks before locking and when opening after having been locked.

Will get round to it eventually...

Bettie

is it stiff to lock whilst the door is open? Mine was fine open but stiff when closed. I had to move the plates on the door frame just a fraction as it was catching there. always especially bad in summer, in fact I now take one off through the summer just to enable door closing.
I had it with another French upvc door that was under guarantee and they came out and did something to each corner under the beading and after that it was perfect.