Front door lock stuck-help

shoppingnoodles

Hi there.

I'm hoping that someone knows the cure for my problem front door lock.

Its an ordinary mortice lock (I think thats what its called-it isn't a yale lock)and something keeps stopping the key from turning to unlock the door from the inside, but it seems to be fine if unlocked from the other side.

I tried WD40, but was told that graphite from a filed down pencil was better, but nothing has worked, so I guess I am going to have to dismantle it-not the sort of thing that I am brilliant at!

Any suggestions before I give in and break the bank with a locksmith?

Thanks.

maninthestreet

Is this a lock on a UPVC door, the type you have to lift the handle up to make the shoot-bolts engage in frame, and then you have to lock them in place with the key? If so, try jiggling the handle from the neutral (horizontal) position upwards and then back to neutral repeatedly as you try to unlock the door.

shoppingnoodles

Thanks for your reply.
Unfortunately it isn't a UVPC door. Its a wooden door with a really bog standard old lock. Any idea what I can try next?

albertross_2

A new 5 lever mortice lock should be £15 or less, easy to fit, just need a screwdriver, and maybe a chisel. The hard work has already been done (the hole).

http://www.focusdiy.co.uk/page/diy27

greyteam1959

If you are not locked out .......take the lock out and replace it or it might be a bit of a pain one night when you come back from the pub and find out that it has finally dropped to bits.
As the OP says cheap to do yourself and dead easy

shoppingnoodles

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a go. Not been locked out yet, but its only a matter of time!

tadpoleuk

If the lock is working better on one side than the other it is probably the key. It might be bent or wearing down on one side. Try another key. If you only have one key a good keycutter will be able to recut it straight or higher. Dont try to straighten it yourself it will be weak and snap and you will have more problems
If its not the key, the keyhole could be wearing, if you have to lift the key to unlock it, its a sign of the keyhole getting larger. On a chubb or a premium brand the keyhole can be replaced at a locksmiths as its removable. When you look in the keyhole and see a silver keyhole shape inside the main keyhole you have this kind of servicable lock.
Graphite is a bit old fashioned now. Now days we clean locks with wd40. Put the straw into the keyhole and aim up. If you have a British standard lock (look for the kitemark) it will have an anti pick device so you wont be able to spray the mechanism.
If none of these things help take the advice of the other poster and replace the lock while you can.
Take the lock to a locksmiths they should match it to one that will drop straight back in. If i had a pound for every customer that bought in a lock in pieces they had tried to open and repair themselves i would be very very rich ........ "Grin"