I have a set of 4 sash locks on various external doors. They are 30 years old and it's often a struggle to get the key to turn. If I had to get out in an emergency this could be a problem. They do open in the end after a certain amount of jiggling. I've oiled them and checked the lock is correctly lined up with the slot in the door frame.
I'm faced with a =A3200 bill to replace them.
Before I am forced to spend the cash is there anything that can be done to ease them up.
=A3200 for 4? Seems steep to me if you're talking parts plus DIY labour. Be thankful that they still work well enough to get the doors open! If removing one of them (2 screws) is within your scope, do you see any make/model identifications? How worn are the keys? 30 years is quite a while for them still to be working, and new ones would possibly be built to higher standards anyway. In 2003 IIRC, we had a 5 Lever BS Chubb mortice lock from 1988 _almost_ die in the locked position. A bit of key wiggling got it to bite, I removed it from the door and bought a replacement for
£200 for 4? Seems steep to me if you're talking parts plus DIY labour. Be thankful that they still work well enough to get the doors open! If removing one of them (2 screws) is within your scope, do you see any make/model identifications? How worn are the keys? 30 years is quite a while for them still to be working, and new ones would possibly be built to higher standards anyway. In 2003 IIRC, we had a 5 Lever BS Chubb mortice lock from 1988 _almost_ die in the locked position. A bit of key wiggling got it to bite, I removed it from the door and bought a replacement for
The brass plates inside wear over time so the key ends up no longer being a perfect fit into them and eventually stops working. Oil won't help. My front door lock went the same way at about the same age and sod's law eventually jammed in the closed position. In the end I had to cut the bolt off with a
1mm angle grinder disc which just fitted in between the door and frame. Before yours end up the same I'd replace them although if they're standard sizes it should be a lot less than £200 and it's only a five minute job for each lock.
Yes =A3200 is a lot, but they are Chubb locks and I want the same key in each. Chubb seems to make lock sizes different to all the others that are quite a bit cheaper. I might consider some mods to make another model fit, but Chubb do seem to have a good reputation.
First thing to do is take the lock off and see what the problem is. It might be:
- needs a clean out due to gummed oil
- needs lubrication, use graphite not oil
- parts worn, in which case file all down by the same amount and get new keys cut.
NT
In article , andyv writes
By all means dismantle the locks to see if there is anything obvious stopping them working but it does sound as if they're just worn out and you will need to replace them.
I used to fit Chubb on quality but now choose Union as having taken them apart I am happy with the quality of the bits & build.
If you download a full listing of Union mortice locks you should find direct replacements for even the unusual Chubbs (detainer locks excepted). You can usually get a hint on the lock model from the strike and whether it is a 2 screw mount or 4, take out the lock for the case size.
For Chubb or Union you will likely have a little bit of rework on the strike side, the latest revision of BS3621 called for increases in bolt size and throw so the strikes are bigger.
Any decent online supplier will do keyed alike for you at a nominal charge, try:
I also had that. :-(
However, it can also be the heavy metalwork bits that have worn such as the bushing around the handle, bolt + bolt "shoot", you need to open it up and have a look.
A proper locksmith might have the requisite bits in his box.
Derek.
£200 for 4? Seems steep to me if you're talking parts plus DIY labour. Be thankful that they still work well enough to get the doors open! If removing one of them (2 screws) is within your scope, do you see any make/model identifications? How worn are the keys? 30 years is quite a while for them still to be working, and new ones would possibly be built to higher standards anyway. In 2003 IIRC, we had a 5 Lever BS Chubb mortice lock from 1988 _almost_ die in the locked position. A bit of key wiggling got it to bite, I removed it from the door and bought a replacement for
All four locks failed at the same time? Odd.
Have you had subsidence or a flood? If so, the frames may want tickling.
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