Can't Lock PVC Door

[Lex Foutish]

I can't lock my pvc back door. It's one of those ones where you push up the door handle and 4 bits like bolts that stick out of the door move down and into the 4 receptacles on the frame. When I pull the handle up, the 4 bolts only go half way and absolutely won't go any further. And the key won't turn even a fraction in the barrel.

I lubricated it with the proper spray but no good whatsoever!

Does anyone know what's wrong with it or how I can fix it?

 

[Dirac]

Well if you have the door open and you try lifting the handle and the bolts dont move to the correct position to allow the barrel to turn with the key, then it sounds like the gearbox for the locking mechanism has broken. These are not repairable as they tend to be a sealed unit on most strip locks. If you look at the side of the door you might see the strip locks' makers name such as MILA or GU, you need to measure the total length of the lock and the distance between the centre of the door handle and the lock barrel, and make a sketch of bolt positions etc. A locksmiths should be able to order you a replacement. When I worked in a locksmiths they came in at between €60 and €200 just depending on the brand.

However if the bolts work when the door is open and you can turn the key, the door has dropped or the frame has warped out of shape. Door can be adjusted on the hinges with grub screws.

 

[Lex Foutish]

Thanks, Dirac. It's about ten years old and it never felt that it was working right from day one.

 

[Valhalla]

Thanks, Dirac. It's about ten years old and it never felt that it was working right from day one.

Tell me about it...i'll never get another PVC door again. I can't believe the amount of change my door goes through depending on the weather. It will be a top quality wooden door next time for me.