Conservatory French doors locking Mechanism Failure

Discussion in 'Engineers' Talk' started by twisty, Jul 2, 2004.

  1. twisty

    twisty New Member

    I have a Wickes conservatory (wooden) with two French doors, the only way out into the back garden, the doors have a five lever locking mechanism with shoot bolts that lock into the frame of the door (top and bottom) and another deadbolt that locks into a wooden mullian attached to the other door.

    The problem is that the locking mechanism has failed on one of the doors with the doors shut and I cannot open the doors, you need to be able to open the door that has failed before you can open the other door (in which the locking mechanism seems OK).

    I have called out a qualified locksmith who tried in vain for two hours to find the problem but to no avail.

    He said that to free off the failed mechanism would propobly cause considerable damage to the door.

    Before I commit to anytnhing like this has anyone any suggestions what I could do.

    Thanks
     
  2. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    heeellloo diy a
    now if your shoot bolts are only on one door
    and if they are outward opening could you not
    grind away drill out the hinge pin heads
    then tap them out to try and gain access
    to the mechanism probably a non starter
    but an idea that might help

    another thaught is try wicks to see if they
    can help

    big all
     
  3. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Hi Big all

    The French doors open outwards, unless the door that is jammed is open there is no access to the hinges, the other door is prevented from opening because of a wooden mullion, access to this is also impossible without the "jammed door" being opened first. Have contacted wickes, awaiting a reply.

    Ah well thinking cap back on!!
     
  4. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    im surprised he didnt drill out the lock
    or have i been watching to many cop shows

    big all
     
  5. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Hi Big All

    He did drill out the lock barrel,unfortunately there is still no way to access the mechanism that actuates the shoot bolts, which at first glance is the part that has failed. This mechanism is behind a long brass strip that runs in a rebate down the outer length of the door, and again is only accessible once the door is open.
     
  6. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    mmmmmmmmmmmm what a tricky one
    now this is a silly idea so dont try it
    assuming the frame is wood held in by
    frame bolts with a 5 or 6mm gap all the
    way round filled in with mastic
    could you not cut all the frame fixing
    remove complete take head off frame
    remove sill and seperate doors!!!!!!!

    ok silly idea

    big all
     
  7. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Not thought of this one

    Will go outside now for a look!
     
  8. WJOHNM

    WJOHNM New Member

    is the cylinder unlocked?
    did he remove cylinder completly?
    can you push handle down to open?
    john
     
  9. twisty

    twisty New Member

    The locksmith removed the cylinder Completely. If you try to push the handle down the shootbolts move about 2mm in and stop (you can see this from the small gap between door and frame) there is a horrid grinding noise coming from inside the door.

    There is no way to access any of the screws securing the surrounding frame.
     
  10. WJOHNM

    WJOHNM New Member

    sometimes relieving pressure on locking points will release sticking locks
    on the outside try pushing the door where the locking points are (use your foot for bottom)then push down hard.
    the keepers could be to tight making you think its the lock.
    once you have the doors open unscrew keepers,move them about 2mm
    worth a try
    hope this helps
    john
    p.s. a good spray of lubricant is nesessary yearly,not when the lock jambs;) ;)
     
  11. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    thank god for that diy a

    i had visions of you screaming for help
    with two doors and a frame pinning you down

    big all
     
  12. WJOHNM

    WJOHNM New Member

    how are ya big-all
    just added my pennies worth here
    sorry for taking over :)
    john
     
  13. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    heeelllooo john

    your definatly welcome to help the more ideas the better
    i think its about time the engineering gets a bit
    of action
    but your right what you say lubricate keep it
    running smoothly

    big all
     
  14. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Gave this a try with two of us pushing, still the mechanism would not shift.It's now beginning to look like an angle grinder job and a new door and locking mechanism.

    If anyone here still has any ideas left I'm open to suggestions!
     
  15. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    have you tried flooding all the areas you can
    reach [where the locking mecanism is]with wd 40
    leave for a day
    now rather than pushing in any one direction
    try ratteling the doors also try rotating
    the lock mecanism in both directions as well

    well we are getting desperate

    goooddd luck

    big all
     
  16. WJOHNM

    WJOHNM New Member

    did the locksmith replace cylinder with a new one?
    are you sure the cylinder is in the unlocked position?
    if there is no cylinder the locking system could be in the locked position
    i want a look at this doors!!!!!!!!!!!B) B) B)
    desperate john ;)
     
  17. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Tried with the WD40, rattling the doors and rotating the lock mechanism, drop kicking the door etc but guess what... still the same.

    Will see about a new door tommorrow.
     
  18. Measure2cut1

    Measure2cut1 New Member

    I had a similar problem about 4 or 5 years ago. Screwfix then did a three point locking mechanism with shoot bolts top and bottom as well as the mortice lock. I installed it as per instructions and it worked fine for about two months.

    Then one day it would not open. Turning the lock just would not retract the bolts. Tried and tried and nothing would make it work. In the end, I managed to prise the bottom bolt up by putting two knives in the gap between the bottom of the door and the cill. Pushing the knives together gave just enough grip on the bolt. Eventually I managed to lever it up a bit and could open the door and get out of the house.

    It was a very frightening experience with the front door unopenable. Screwfix gave me a refund for the mechanism but not a word of apology etc. About a year later it disappeared from their catalogue.

    I hope that this helps you.
     
  19. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    heeelllooo m2c1 and welcome

    enginuity i love it
    so you grabbed the bolt on each side with knives
    and worked the bolt out of the hole

    nice one

    big all
     
  20. twisty

    twisty New Member

    Tried all the above but no good.

    We found out that the conservatory was still under warrenty so someone from our local wickes came and looked at the doors and said that we need a new set of doors and locks.

    This went to head office and technical for approval but was turned down because there is no damage to the doors, If however, we can get the doors open they will consider supplying a new lock set.

    Wickes have no idea at all how to release the locking mechanism, strange since this is one of their products.

    I have contacted another locksmith who is having a look tommorow and is fairly confident can get the doors open with minimal damage.

    Will keep you informed, fingers crossed....
     

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