Hi my front door 5 lever mortice lock has failed in the lock position. I cannot afford a locksmith so need to sort it myself. The key turns several times but the bolt does not retract. I have tried WD40 and my spare key. I have also tried the door from the other side. The only 2 options i can see are to either chisel out the wood frame around the hinges or chisel out the wood frame around the door lock. Any advice most appreciated. thanks darrell
I managed to open my workshop door by using a ultra thin cut blade on 9" grinder to cut through the bolt,just enough room, & I've done others by cutting through hinges on inside with 4.5" grinder & thin cut blade.(Only works if hinges don't have anti jemmy lug.)
Y. grind off/cut off the hinge knuckle (hopefully no anti-jemmy lugs as kiab says). You should be able to do this without doing any damage to door and frame. Then just replace the hinges ( and the lock of course) If you find a thin piece of metal (like the blade of an old hand saw) you can place it on the face of the door and slide the cutter along it into the hings, and avoid damaging the door face.
thanks for the replies. pics attached. I can turn the key several times but the bolt does not move. there are no hinge pins to remove
Thin cut blade on a 4.5" grinder will cut that easily,needs two cuts, so pin drops out/can be removed.
if the key turns then use a thin scraper to move bolt from locked position it sound like the tag as broke in the gateway
once again thanks for the replies. my 4.5 angle grinder seems to have walked. i will have to try and scrounge one.how do use a thin scraper to move the bolt?
you use the scraper in the gap bewteen door and frame edging bolt into open position you need to turn key into open position
Good blades and good price. I recommended these the other day on post regarding cutting down bolts Super thin so great for accurate cutting
Thanks for all the advice. hinges grinded off and door off. i took off the lock plate and the lock started working again. But not for long, after another few turns it started to jam again. i have a couple of no brand old locks but am going to look for new quality lock. has anyone sugesstions that are reasonable priced. Does this look ok https://www.homebase.co.uk/yale-pm550-5-lever-sashlock-64mm-chrome_p059242 or this https://www.homebase.co.uk/yale-pm560-british-standard-bs3621-5-lever-sashlock-64mm-chrome_p012584 thanks darrell
Similar to the above, also meets BS 3621, meets most insurance company requiremments; https://www.screwfix.com/p/era-bs-5-lever-mortice-sashlock-satin-nickel-2-5-64mm/22716