UPVC Sliding Patio Door stuck shut

thekingbertie

Hi,

My Patio door is stuck shut ... previously the latch above the lock wouldn't move until i unlock it, however it now moves whether locked or not, and won't open in either case.

I'm thinking that the latch isn't moving all the hooks anymore, as feels like its the hook that's stuck. 

I've taken the handle off and have tried to move the bar but no joy.

It feels like the only way forward is to force it, but surely they're designed better than that, ie some way of manually moving them (from the inside).

I've recently had brain surgery and still prefer to isolate as much as possible due to Covid, so would really appreciate any advice on how me or my sons can get this open rather than getting someone in. 

Thanks

TELLIT01

You risk doing serious damage to the lock if you try forcing it, and making replacement more difficult if that proves necessary.  Bite the bullet and call in a locksmith.  If you have other people in the household let them deal with them while you stay out of the way.

Paula_Smith

Can you remove the lever (might be held by an allen bolt) and unscrew the handle - if you can it may reveal something broken.

Jeepers_Creepers

Hi King Bertie.

Don't 'force' anything :-)  But you can be 'firm'...

Could you post a photo with the handle removed so we can see what sort of spindle etc lies behind it? 

On the inside there's only that flip-lever to lock it? And on the outside I guess there's a key?

When you tried to 'move the bar' - which I presume means turn the spindle? - did you ensure the door was pushed very firmly closed to the left first? What did you use to turn the spindle? And what happens when you try and unlock it from outside? 

thekingbertie

Nope I certainly don't want to force it but can't see how anyone else would do anything else. Googling seems to find other doors with the ability to make adjustments from the inside but I can't see anything similar.

I'll take the handle off again and post more pics by tomorrow eveing, but the flip-lever is on the outside as well as inside. 

Thanks for the replies

Jeepers_Creepers

Ah - I see the lock now at the bottom of the handle. 

I wonder if it's the lock or the lever that's at fault? Does the key turn smoothly enough? 

thekingbertie

Yes the key turns smoothly, both locking and unlocking, whereas the lever initially moves ok, then gives a little resistance and then moves more easily. 

thekingbertie

Sorry, just realised that the lock isn't as visible as I'd thought

thekingbertie

so this is it without handle, showing the lock at the bottom, and the bar/spindle which I can move with a small adjustable wrench, and the hole for the top screw
i wasn't convinced i could move it enough this way, but when the lever and handle is attached it moves as it did before it was stuck.
Yep the door is firmly closed, and its the same problem when trying from the outside.

greenface2

Best guess . Your spindle isn't turning the keeper which move the hook . Its not that hard to open them doors and I'm not giving the secrets away . depending on the profile see if you can unglazed it . Normally on upvc doors the slider is outside and the glazing bead is hidden on the mullion side . If you can not get at it don't try it . Taking the glass out makes it lighter and more flexible . Regardless . get one inside and one out . Put the handle back on tight . Both lift the handle or put some wedge underneath the bottom track to lift it . The middle hook points down so lift the door up you should be able to pull it from its housing on the side frame . then you can take to lock off ( with the handle off and euro cylinder lock out) very often advocet or cisa locks but cant tell from that pic . I'm not a locksmith but fitting windows and doors for 35 yrs . Not uncommon with older plastic sliders for the locks to break . You may need to adjust the wheels or keeper when you fix the lock . That maybe the alignment broke it . Good luck . GF2 .