Euro Door Lock Stuck

[sc0tt]

Morning Gents

I have a front door (like most) with a Euro Lock. When I insert the key and rotate the mechanism will not turn i.e at the point the key does not rotate the door will not unlock.

I have a friend who has said that it's very easy to replace the cylinder. Remove locating screw, slide through cylinder. Replace.

Is it this simple?

Can I change the internal lock for a thumb lock on one side?

Thanks

[Le Mans Visitor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c12wWNG9ams

[mgtony]

Should be straight forward to swap, but the mechanism inside the lock needs to be in-line with the body so that it slides out. So as long as turning the key still lines it up you should be okay.
The locks come in variable lengths which relates to each side of the centre mechanism.
Don't go for real cheap ones either.


http://www.screwfix.com/search.do?fh_search=euro+c...

[sc0tt]

mgtony said:

Should be straight forward to swap, but the mechanism inside the lock needs to be in-line with the body so that it slides out. So as long as turning the key still lines it up you should be okay.
The locks come in variable lengths which relates to each side of the centre mechanism.
Don't go for real cheap ones either.


http://www.screwfix.com/search.do?fh_search=euro+c...

I can get the door unlocked if I hit the mechanism with my Hand. I didn't want to play too much last night incase the door got stuck unlocked.

I will try and replace the cylinder this evening.

[mgtony]

If you go with the thumb-turn one, make sure you put it on the inside.

[sc0tt]

mgtony said:

If you go with the thumb-turn one, make sure you put it on the inside.

[williredale]

sc0tt said:

I can get the door unlocked if I hit the mechanism with my Hand. I didn't want to play too much last night incase the door got stuck unlocked.

I will try and replace the cylinder this evening.

As said, if you can turn it slightly to line the lock up with the hole in the door it is a very simple job. Measure the distance from the screw to the face of the lock where the key goes in on both sides of the lock barrel as they are all different.

[motco]

It's not quite clear whether you can turn the cylinder up to the point where it tries to operate the bolts, or whether the cylinder will not turn at all - not even a fraction. If the former then the cylinder is okay, but the mechanism in the door is jamming. If the latter then a new cylinder will fix the problem.

[sc0tt]

motco said:

It's not quite clear whether you can turn the cylinder up to the point where it tries to operate the bolts, or whether the cylinder will not turn at all - not even a fraction. If the former then the cylinder is okay, but the mechanism in the door is jamming. If the latter then a new cylinder will fix the problem.

The Key will rotate freely up until the point that it should unlock the door. So I can insert the key, turn until I find resistance and then when the door should unlock its like the cam will not turn.

I should also add, when I shut the door and push the handle up they mechanism works fine so all of the bolts go up into the frame and the handle returns correctly.

Edited by sc0tt on Tuesday 19th February 09:11

[Meeja]

As has been said, get the correct length lock... Ideally remove yours and measure before buying a new one.

Also (as has been said) don't buy a cheap one. Get something that is anti-snap, anti-bump an anti-drill

[sc0tt]

So are we all agreed its the euro lock?

[netherfield]

No, take the lock out of the door and see if it turns easily with the key, if it does then it could be the door mechanism.

[sc0tt]

netherfield said:

No, take the lock out of the door and see if it turns easily with the key, if it does then it could be the door mechanism.

OK

I will have a look when I get home tonight and update.

If the mechanism is sticking is there a lubricant available or new mechanism time?

[sc0tt]

Also unsure if this helps diagnosis, with the key inserted and rotated to sticking point, if I "tap" the door it then unlocks.

My friend seems to think it may be the pins in the lock are sticking and therefore not unlatching.

[motco]

sc0tt said:

Also unsure if this helps diagnosis, with the key inserted and rotated to sticking point, if I "tap" the door it then unlocks.

My friend seems to think it may be the pins in the lock are sticking and therefore not unlatching.

No, if that were the case it wouldn't turn at all. If it is turning as you describe then I doubt that the cylinder is responsible. It sounds as if the mechanism inside the door is hanging up for some reason.

[sc0tt]

motco said:

No, if that were the case it wouldn't turn at all. If it is turning as you describe then I doubt that the cylinder is responsible. It sounds as if the mechanism inside the door is hanging up for some reason.

You are correct. Cylinder replaced. Still broke

[Popeyed]

It sounds like the door has dropped and the mechanism will no longer fully engage with the door frame, as happens to UPVC doors over time. Open the door and stand straddling the frame looking at the hinges, are they at an angle to the frame and no longer parallel? A good locksmith will be able to sort it.

[williredale]

Does the lock work if you try locking and unlocking with the door open?

ETA - Just read popeyed's post. I think he's thinking along the same lines...

[sc0tt]

Not sure if i managed to not fit a cylinder correctly but i have taken out and refitted but only nipped up the screw and its perfect

[motco]

sc0tt said:

Not sure if i managed to not fit a cylinder correctly but i have taken out and refitted but only nipped up the screw and its perfect

Try that with the old cylinder, and if it works get your money back on the new one.