This morning we couldn't get out the front door - the 5-lever mortice lock just wouldn't fully turn despite a lot of attempted wheedling. Managed it by getting out another way and eventually engaging it from the outside.
Is it just worn and should be replaced?
E.
Or the key is worn / it's a bad copy ...
Or the lock needs oiling, but wear sounds more likely. Likewise, I assume it wasn't full of snow and ice?
You might get away with replacing just the levers, but you'd need to have a look inside the lock to see what else is worn. It's not worth taking a chance, as the cost of calling a locksmith out is far more than the cost of a lock.
Thanks - think I'll go buy a new one. Tried it with four keys and squirted some oil in. It will work but only if the key is in an exact point that is now hard to find?
E.
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I've not heard of Unison newsreader (probably cos I'm not a Mac user) hopefully it's got a setting to disable HTML replies?
you shouldn't lubricate a lock with oil - graphite powder is the proper stuff.
Locking that when you're in the house (even if it was working) means your chances of surviving a house fire are reduced, and very significantly reduced if the fire happens at night.
sorry - not been using it long - I'll have look. I'm not seeing this of course...
er so not locking (your fully operational lock on) your front door at night is your recommendation then??
mmm
Jim K
It's a good point. In our case we have another front door and french windows both on a balcony, so we have a choice of exits. But I do remember asking an insurance company why we should (double) lock all exit windows and doors at night when the house is occupied as it is a possible safety hazard - I'd rather be burgled than die in a fire.
I didn't get an answer.
E.
The OP looked OK in Dialog.
It's simple - the insurance company would rather you died than made a claim that would affect profits/bonuses.
Yes the original was ok, it was only eastender's reply to GB that used HTML, his replies to everyone else seem OK, maybe it was just slip of the mouse?
When you're in the house, you need to be able to unlock it quickly, in the dark and smoke, without requiring keys.
When the house is empty, then it's good to have it locked such that it can't be opened even from the inside without a key, but you don't want to ever do this when the house is occupied.
What does your insurance company say?
E.
In article , charles writes
For a lever lock, strip and re-grease, for a cylinder, PTFE lube. I definitely would not use graphite, it clumps and becomes gritty if anyone mistakenly uses solvent based spray lube in error.
I mean from the inside.
Had a similar problem with a good quality lock at my daughters. The brass bit that turns with the key was badly worn. I took the lock out and went to the local locksmiths. He replaced the brass bit and lubricated and checked the rest (levers etc.). He charged me £10. It is now no trouble at all. Lawrence
Unless the same insurance company has insured his life! In that case I suppose the relative sizes of the two pay-outs would be relevant.
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