Help wanted to Remove Locked Mortice Lock

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by Bluepeter147, Dec 4, 2016.

  1. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member

    Hi all
    Looking for some help please?
    Went to open my old neighbours back door for her this morning as it was stuck closed and the key cut part (the bit that undoes the lock) to her mortice lock has snapped off in the lock leaving her with just the shank.
    The wooden back door is still locked.
    Is there a way I can unlock/remove the mortice deadlock for her please?

    Many thanks for your help
    Pete
     
  2. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    I manage to use superglue in the past, a small spot on the broken shank,& got to two parts to align just enough to join them to be able to remove rest of key.
     
  3. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member

    Thanks for the suggestion but the Mortice deadlock is that tight it's snapped when we turned it so don't think glue would be strong enough?
    I think I'm looking at removing the whole lock fitting? Easy when doors open but when closed!!!
     
  4. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member

    Just to clarify the vertical part (part that sets the pins) has snapped off the body of the key.
    The lock slightly turned and is incredibly stiff!!!
    Don't think she's unlocked it for years!!
     
  5. Phil the Paver

    Phil the Paver Screwfix Select

    To remove the lock without damage to the door is impossible, but if you can remove the broken peice of the key as KIAB said, a locksmith will be able to unlock the door.
     
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  6. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Locksmith should be able to remove broken piece,using broken key extractor removal hooks/needles, & extractor pilers.
    Locksmith might even use curtain picks to open mortice lock.;)

    Very handy tools to have, bought a set years ago.

    Could give lock a does of WD40 to loosen things up abit.
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2016
    Bluepeter147 likes this.
  7. tore81

    tore81 Screwfix Select

    One of the hardest locks.

    Are you able to get inside and out?

    Take all handles off.

    I made a series of drill holes into the lock when the handle was off took me ages. Used long nose pliers then to twist around the metal. Pulled it apart from the inside out and it did work

    You could be lucky and drill at the precise spot disengaging the lock.
     
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  8. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member


    Mortice lock, easy to pick with curtain picks...:rolleyes:

    Could you not cut through deadbolt with a sabre saw (reciprocating saw) ?
     
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  9. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member

    Thanks for your suggestions KIAB & Phil

    I don't think the lady can afford a locksmith so was looking at any cheaper options for her. I'll give her my time for free.

    Wasn't sure if the lock could be drilled from the side through the door into lock and release the deadlock or poss use a reciprocating saw to cut through latch/bolt part that protrudes from lock into door frame?
     
  10. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member


    Hi

    Thanks for your suggestions
    Yes I can get inside and out and getting the handles off is no probs.

    Do you or anyone know where the precise spot is?
     
  11. tore81

    tore81 Screwfix Select

    I agree with Kiab

    Trouble is I very much doubt you have those tools. Laying around.

    Take handles off drill through the mortise or get the to the latch bolt.

    I have done it before took some time but worked no cost. Steel drill bits needed
     
    Bluepeter147 likes this.
  12. Bluepeter147

    Bluepeter147 New Member


    Ok thanks, Any suggestions where to drill??
     
  13. Phil the Paver

    Phil the Paver Screwfix Select

    A locksmith will unlock it in a matter of minutes so shouldn't be expensive at all.


    But if you are determined to do it yourself, don't damage the door by attacking the lock.

    Punch the pins out of the hinges and remove the door to change the lock, yes you may need new hinges but they are cheap.
     
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  14. tore81

    tore81 Screwfix Select

    Never done this sounds like it could work

    Like most things there is always different ways. Good luck!

    The best way is the locksmith obviously. I'd be tempted to try this if I was stuck again
     
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  15. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Could even cut a slot lengthway along hinges with a thin cut metal blade in a 4.5" grinder open up slot with screwdriver to remove pins if they can't be punched out other way.

    Once you get door out of frame, it's eay job to remove lock, take it apart & retrive broken bit of key.
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2016
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  16. GoodwithWood

    GoodwithWood Active Member

    Yeap like KIAB's suggestion. Find a way to disengage the hinges. Much less damage and a piece of cake to repair compared to a door that looks like a teabag.
     
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  17. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Works very well on 4" butt hinges...:rolleyes:

    Can even cut two slots, slightly further apart,sometimes wide enough for the pin to just fall out, it makes job easier.
     
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  18. Mr. Handyandy

    Mr. Handyandy Screwfix Select

    You didn't say what type of mortise lock, type and shape of key. Whether you can see anything(like end of key) in there or see through?

    Mr. HandyAndy - Really
     
  19. GoodwithWood

    GoodwithWood Active Member

    Funny enough had this exact same issue last week. Lock had failed in the locked position (euro latch).

    Took me all of 2 minutes to drift the 3 hinge pins out and remove the door.
     
    tore81 likes this.

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