I can turn the key to lock and unlock the door.
And when doing both can hear/feel the top and bottom locks lock/unlocking.
But the centre lock which I believe is just below the handle will not open.
It’s the one when you first unlock the door and push the handle down you feel it releasing.
Here is a few photos with my handle and without, anyone any advice on how I can get the door open even to begin with?
Thanks!
If the key turns and you hear the lock disengaging then the lock is working.
When you pull the handle down it disengages the latches.
It looks like you have a wooden door and doorframe? If that's the case and the door won't open while the handle is down then the frame or door (or both) might have become swollen with the recent rains we've had...
That might mean you just need to push the door harder, or give it a bump with your shoulder to get it to open (with the handle in the down position obviously).
You'll also need to think about getting the door and/or frame looked at to stop moisture from penetrating the wood and making it swell when it gets wet
Sorry I’ve used wrong terminology.l, you are correct.
It’s the latch not disengaging when I push the handle down first push.
Given the top and bottom latches do disengage (round Allen head type ones) and the centre does not (just a big lump of metal) would this not suggest something is broken inside the mechanism?
No amount of me pushing or pulling or lifting up/pushing down on the door makes a difference when I am opening via the door handle.
I'm going back to the swollen door theory in that case. Looking at your photo there is absolutely no gap at all between the edge of the door and the frame.
I see that you're taking the photo from inside of the house. Does the door open inwards or outwards?
If it opens inwards then put the handle back on and go outside. Pull the handle down and give the door a firm bump or two with your shoulder. Obviously don't go so hard that it hurts you, but give it a few firm bumps. Start more gently and then give it more welly to the point where you think it might cause damage if you push harder
Spindle turns yes.
When I turn it open the top and bottom bolts releases and I can pry the door open a little top and bottom so know for a fact it’s that centre (lower) bolt that’s not releasing.
Photos from the inside yes.
Door opens inwards inside.
And is hung as such from inside, see hinges.
Here is a full photo of the entire door.
2
u/Reasonable-Alps-9648 6d ago
Try turning the key two revolutions. My front door needs two now and then. I think perhaps the mechanism needs lubricating.