My flat locks automatically with the top latch, but last night when I came home it got jammed inside somehow. I have no idea how this happened, as I unlocked the door as usual. I can't seem to get it out – anyone know how? There doesn't seem to be a catch or stopper like some of them have. I've tried jiggling it a bit and flicking it out with a screw driver, but to no avail. I'd like to try and fix it myself before calling my Hausmeister. I know lots of people complain about having the top lock, but I like being able to not fully lock the door if I'm just taking the bins out or something!
by redblink14
4 comments
Does it come back out when you lock the door or is it permanently stuck?
One of our doors has the same problem, but lubricating with graphite oil seems to help. Other than that, I need to jiggle the door handle to get in unstuck.
It’s probably simply stuck because of dirt inside the lock. Do you have a can of WD-40, Ballistol or similar? Spray some inside and keep jiggling. If that doesn’t help, you’ll have to pull the whole thing from the door. The latch might pop out at some point if it’s just stuck because of tension.
1) remove the screw visible on the edge of the door visible at the bottom of your picture. This holds the safety lock in place.
2) turn the key about an eight of the way and pull the safety lock out of the assembly. The reason for the weird angle is there is a rotating part sticking out at an angle.
3)remove a small pin or screw on the inner side of the door which keeps the handle from slipping off and pull the handles off on both sides
4) remove the screws on the faceplates and take them off. The screws go through the lock.
5) remove the screws that are fixing the lock assembly on the edge of the door and pull out the lock assembly.
You now have access to the latch from the side. Remove dirt, grease it, make sure it moves freely and reassemble everything in reverse.
Just replace the entire mechanism – doesn’t cost much and is easy to do
WD40
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