Back door won't lock

50Twuncle

We have a 20 year old UPVC patio door on our conservatory - every time it gets warm and sunny - the damned thing refuses to lock - the key feels as if it is jammed (it won't turn)

I am guessing that it swells up in the heat

Today - is the same

I dont want to start adjusting it - and doing permanent damage

Any suggestions ?

sharpe106

replace the lock?

Jackmydad

It's because the door moves in the heat, and the handle won't fully lift, to allow the lock to turn.
Could need to be "heel and toed" so that it doesn't sag a bit in the hot weather.
My one door actually had the keeper plates in the wrong places, so the shoot bolts wouldn't fully extend when the weather was cold.
 

FreeBear

50Twuncle said: I dont want to start adjusting it - and doing permanent damage

My front door used to be a little temperamental depending on the weather. Had a window fitter take a look at it (he was doing other work around the house) and adjust the hinges. Now shuts and locks perfectly any time of the year. He did say that if it starts to play up again, just open the door and lift it upwards. But not too much as you don't want to pull it of the hinges.

Jackmydad

FreeBear said:

50Twuncle said: I dont want to start adjusting it - and doing permanent damage

My front door used to be a little temperamental depending on the weather. Had a window fitter take a look at it (he was doing other work around the house) and adjust the hinges. Now shuts and locks perfectly any time of the year. He did say that if it starts to play up again, just open the door and lift it upwards. But not too much as you don't want to pull it of the hinges.

Yes, lifting used to "fix" mine temporarily.
The door was still about square in the frame though, and as I said the keeper plates for the shoot bolts were actually in the wrong place(s).
Not saying all will be the same, but it's worth checking.
I've got a feeling that one door was a Friday afternoon special. The rest from the same place have been fine.

neilmcl

50Twuncle said:

We have a 20 year old UPVC patio door on our conservatory - every time it gets warm and sunny - the damned thing refuses to lock - the key feels as if it is jammed (it won't turn)

I am guessing that it swells up in the heat

Today - is the same

I dont want to start adjusting it - and doing permanent damage

Any suggestions ?

I'm having exactly the same issue. Mine opens outwards so I had to go outside and push as firmly as I could then lock it whilst pushing against the door frame.

50Twuncle

neilmcl said:

50Twuncle said:

We have a 20 year old UPVC patio door on our conservatory - every time it gets warm and sunny - the damned thing refuses to lock - the key feels as if it is jammed (it won't turn)

I am guessing that it swells up in the heat

Today - is the same

I dont want to start adjusting it - and doing permanent damage

Any suggestions ?

I'm having exactly the same issue. Mine opens outwards so I had to go outside and push as firmly as I could then lock it whilst pushing against the door frame.

Ours opens inwards - "lifting" helps - I have to hook my toes under the door and it does lock !

We need to get an expert in - I don't want to adjust it myself - it would get far worse !

EssexExile

Under each of my hinges there is an allen key. Turn each one clockwise half a turn, if it's better - good, if it's worse - go the other way. But if you don't want to start adjusting it, then get a man in to do the above.

50Twuncle

EssexExile said:

Under each of my hinges there is an allen key. Turn each one clockwise half a turn, if it's better - good, if it's worse - go the other way. But if you don't want to start adjusting it, then get a man in to do the above.

There certainly is - but I don't want to start playing with it ....

A "man" has been ordered - for delivery this evening !