We have several metal-framed glass doors. Every summer, two become difficult to lock. I have studied the two and can't see why. The locks work fine when the doors are open. Obviously heat has something to do with it but I can't see how.
Anyone solved this? I fear the keys snapping.
cleoplatra,
Jan 19, 7:27pm
Your problem is hard to explain on the computer ring 03 2358432 or 021336681 and I will help you.
footplate1,
Jan 19, 7:33pm
Thank you. Ok tomorrow?
I had one door lock tongue (?) filed a couple or three years ago but has made no difference. They are fine in the winter.
cantabman1,
Jan 20, 5:08am
Graffite to lubricate; never oil.
budgel,
Jan 20, 7:51am
Other than lubrication with graphite, have a look at where the striker tongue lands on the catch. I'm thinking the house is moving a bit in the hot weather. Any modifications should be done to the catch plate rather than the lock tongue.
Sometimes shimming the hinges is neccessary to re align things. If the striker tongue is too low, pack the bottom hinge, vice versa if it is too high. I use, say, two pieces of cardboard in the bottom hinge, one in the middle,none in the top for example, keeps the three hinges in alignment.
nukhelenc,
Jan 20, 10:36am
New hinges can make the all the difference. They pull the door back over and also lifts it up, the swinging panel that is.
nukhelenc,
Jan 20, 10:38am
Or the door needs Heal and toe done if its dropped way outta square inside its own frame
ira78,
Jan 20, 11:28am
One of mine is like that, over time it slowly gets out of square. I've just been putting a board and a block under it, pry it back upwards. Good for another 6 months. :)
nukhelenc,
Jan 20, 12:24pm
A glazier would be able to fix it properly, but thats money and if ya happy to mess with it every 6 mths then sweet as
zak410,
Jan 20, 2:28pm
colour the end of the latch with crayon, pencil or whatever, shut the door and turn the key hoping to make a mark where the latch contact the strike plate, then file as needed.
footplate1,
Jan 20, 3:00pm
Thanks for the phoned advice. Stilll to persuade the other half that I have received the necessary advice! Sigh!
ira78,
Jan 21, 7:34am
Let's see. Glazier minimum callout in the region of $200, put 5 minutes of my time at $2. I figure I'm coming out ahead until 2065. :)
stevo2,
Jan 21, 5:19pm
Glaziers dont have $200 min charge out rates. Most just charge for the time involved. I used to charge about $25 to do this sort of job.
ira78,
Mar 25, 10:19am
Probably right, in my experience most contractors won't even show up at all.
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