I want to change to way my front door locks

greenery

My front door has an era lock with a handle on each side. Lifting either handle upwards activates the bolts. When the door is shut it will open from the inside unless it is locked with the key. 
From the outside, when the door is shut, it  will not open without a key. I realize that this is how it is meant to operate, but I would like to be able the shut the door and open from the outside without using a key unless I actually lock it with a key.
Anyone know if this something that could be done without changing the whole handle / lock?

bob_a_builder

My son has the opposite issue - his front door operates how you would like yours to operate and would prefer it as yours is now 

When I looked in to it, (not actually got round to doing it though) I think it involves - changing a setting on the lock itself and changing from a split spindle to a single spindle ( or visa versa)

Heres a picture, showing lock setting - of course yours many vary
https://ibb.co/SKs8nSK

Anyway I look forward to someone more knowledgeable providing more detail/answers  

Mutton_Geoff

Era is likely to be only the brand of the barrel, not the entire lock mechanism. Are you in a flat or a house? If it's a ground floor door to a house, I'm not sure why you'd want to reduce the inbuilt security by enabling the door to be opened from the outside without a key.

https://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security/743/how-to-use-a-multipoint-locking-door/

greenery

Mutton_Geoff said:

Era is likely to be only the brand of the barrel, not the entire lock mechanism. Are you in a flat or a house? If it's a ground floor door to a house, I'm not sure why you'd want to reduce the inbuilt security by enabling the door to be opened from the outside without a key.

https://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security/743/how-to-use-a-multipoint-locking-door/

Hi, I am in a house. I want to be able to go into the front garden and shut the door without locking it. It's the outer porch door and it would be useful to be able to keep it unlocked sometimes with the inner door locked ( the inner door is a more secure door with a better lock). Obviously I still want to be able to lock it for extra security when I am out for any time

Jackmydad

Sounds like you have a split spindle lock.
You might be able tp change it to the way you want it to work by fitting a single spindle handle set.
There's a bit about it here.
https://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/blogs/news/upvc-door-lock-operations-single-or-split-spindle

theonlywayisup

Jackmydad said:

Sounds like you have a split spindle lock.
You might be able tp change it to the way you want it to work by fitting a single spindle handle set.
There's a bit about it here.
https://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/blogs/news/upvc-door-lock-operations-single-or-split-spindle

Yes this.  We recently changed a door and realised the spindle was split, so ordered a fixed single spindle and it now can be opened from outside without the key.  So yes you will need to change your handles as your handles operate the spindle. 

We got in touch with the door manufacturers and a replacement (inc delivery) was £25.  It  was simple to fit, removed the plate slid out the two spindles/handles and changed for the replacements.  If you look at your current handles they will be on different levels when you view the side elevation.   

Edit to add pic that shows a split spindle.  Handle on one is higher than other indicating there are two spindles operating the mechanism. 

Jackmydad

theonlywayisup said:

Jackmydad said:

Sounds like you have a split spindle lock.
You might be able tp change it to the way you want it to work by fitting a single spindle handle set.
There's a bit about it here.
https://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/blogs/news/upvc-door-lock-operations-single-or-split-spindle

Yes this.  We recently changed a door and realised the spindle was split, so ordered a fixed single spindle and it now can be opened from outside without the key.  So yes you will need to change your handles as your handles operate the spindle. 

We got in touch with the door manufacturers and a replacement (inc delivery) was £25.  It  was simple to fit, removed the plate slid out the two spindles/handles and changed for the replacements.  If you look at your current handles they will be on different levels when you view the side elevation.   

Edit to add pic that shows a split spindle.  Handle on one is higher than other indicating there are two spindles operating the mechanism. 

Looks the same as the one we changed on our door for the same reason.

bob_a_builder

I think your case could actually refer to Dual spindles rather than Split spindles  - two methods of achieving the same thing ?
"Split spindle relates the actual spindle inside the handles having a split in the middle. Dual spindle refers to there being two separate spindles, usually used in lever pad door handles which are offset (different heights).  ?

I assume in that picture the outer handle/pad is just fixed and doesn't actually rotate at all ? 

If it does rotate, what does it connect to, I don't recall seeing a lock which has provision for 2 spindle points 
https://www.eraeverywhere.com/default/door-components/entrance-doors/multi-point-door-locks/

p.s I'm referring to multi point locking - you might not be

Rodders53

AIUI That picture shows an offset spindle handle set not what we generally refer to as a split spindle.
https://www.lockstation.co.uk/era-split-spindle is an example of an ERA split spindle (note the split length ratio is likely to be important for correct operation and may vary with exact door / lockset installed).

The OP has a split spindle to allow the two handles to act independently and the outside needs the key to open the latch.  A fixed spindle of the appropriate length will allow what is wanted to get the operation required.  It's pretty simple to swap the spindle.

I got our spindle swapped to do what you want (and got to keep the old one) when our new front door was fitted so that (if I can find it) I can leave for any future owner.

greenery

From what everyone has posted, it looks like I have a split spindle. I may be able to swap this for a single spindle which should not cost me too much?. I think I will unscrew it and have a look at what i've got!