[Closed] Door lock issues

Lubricate with either graphite or silicone - not oil. If you can get if open, take the handles off and unscrew the screws holding and pull it out of the door. You can probably disassemble, clean and lube it. Mine was a little rusty.

If you can't, just take it to a locksmith and ask for one the same size (or order online etc). They're easy to swap.

Does the lock have a faceplate screwed to the lock plate? Sometimes they can foul the bolt making it difficult to lock/unlock.

Locked open is far better than finding yourself locked in when you REALLY need to get out.

Just take it off the door. See if it turns when out the door. If it does then something has moved or swollen and it's causing it to bind. If it doesn't the just drop some lube in and wap it back in the door. Actually do that anyway. Don't go mad with the lub though. Graphite powder is I think the correct stuff but who has that lying around.

Remove one set of door handles and spindle, remove screws from faceplate in edge of door, there may well be two screws under the plate as well, pull lock out, try keys from both sides,gently tap lock with a hammer, and shake to see if anything sounds loose,sometimes something has got into the lock case, you could undo the case but some locks spring the contents out, and are a pain to refit.

Toolstation or screwfix wil have replaemt locks check case size either 2.5 or 3 inches, theow old keys away after fitting, had customers try old keys in new lock and damage the lock.

I would loosen the faceplate screws and wiggle the key. Failing that take the lock out and get a replacement. Don't call an emergency locksmith unless you have 250 quid to burn, it's a 5 min job diy.

Is it made by Imperial Locks? I had one that did exactly as you describe, and it was down to the lock body not being perfectly aligned with the strike plate thing.

I could free it by using the key in the opposite side to that which jammed it and turning it until it reached full travel. This seemed to line everything up again in the lock and it started working properly.

Annoying as I bought a new lock to replace the existing one which did the same thing. Bit of chiselling and fixed.

Making a number of assumptions here but,

Remove one of the handles. Pull the square bar out. Remove the two screws on the door edge securing the [chrome | brass] vanity plate and take it off. Remove the two screws underneath which are holding the lock inside the mortice. Pull out lock. Install new lock. Refit handles.

It could be a number of things. Could well just be worn and the cold weather's taken it past a tolerance. To get the door closed for tonight you could try a hairdrier on it perhaps? Or it could just be buggered, but once you've taken it out of the door you should just be able to unscrew the side panel and take a look / photo you can post here. And of course, trying the key again with the lock out of the door will rule out any not-lock issues at a stroke.

Whilst the side's off you could also take the opportunity to wipe out all that oily shit you've just squeezed into it.

Thanks STW. Have removed all elements. Strike plate not fouling it. Once mech removed (union 5 lever) used silicone spray and a few taps with a cradley screwdriver. It sometimes unlocks abs sometimes the key doesn’t turn at all, as it was originally. From both sides. Strange.

Anyhow refitted and got it to lock which is main thing. Will try again but it feels like a mechanical block not seizing. If persists I’ll swap it out. Cheers for advice.

I'd be wary of locking it shut.

That'll be a total bastard if it decides to stop working and now you can't get at it.

And I wouldn't mess about seeing if it persists. Just get it replaced.

I've done the burney building thing it focusses the mind on things like doors, windows and locks working perfectly.

put key in lock and slightly lift key and gently turn the key, usually works with a worn key