Asked on Apr 26, 2014
Replacing or fixing a door lock
+3
In the picture you can see our front door. Ever since we moved in, there have been problems with the lock and I am fed up.
As you can see in the picture, the lock on the door handle itself is nonexistent. The security chain was installed, poorly, by the college girls who lived in the flat before us. And the uppermost lock is the "working" one, but I use that word very loosely.
When we first moved in, the lock only worked from the outside, and with much difficulty. You had to jiggle the key a lot and align it juuust right. So the first thing we did was replace this lock, and for a while all was well but then the new lock also developed the same problem - the key only turns from the outside.
So currently we use the lock when everyone is out and the chain when everyone is inside, but you can see the problem here; if one person wants to come home late or leave early, someone has to open and close the chain.
So what to do? It's a rental flat and replacing the entire door (which our neighbor recommended) isn't really an option. If I just replace the lock again, will the new one also go wrong after a time? What is causing it to go wrong? Would it be a better idea to replace the door handle with a locking one?
Thanks so much for any help! If I can get this sorted, I will quite literally sleep easier at night :)
As you can see in the picture, the lock on the door handle itself is nonexistent. The security chain was installed, poorly, by the college girls who lived in the flat before us. And the uppermost lock is the "working" one, but I use that word very loosely.
When we first moved in, the lock only worked from the outside, and with much difficulty. You had to jiggle the key a lot and align it juuust right. So the first thing we did was replace this lock, and for a while all was well but then the new lock also developed the same problem - the key only turns from the outside.
So currently we use the lock when everyone is out and the chain when everyone is inside, but you can see the problem here; if one person wants to come home late or leave early, someone has to open and close the chain.
So what to do? It's a rental flat and replacing the entire door (which our neighbor recommended) isn't really an option. If I just replace the lock again, will the new one also go wrong after a time? What is causing it to go wrong? Would it be a better idea to replace the door handle with a locking one?
Thanks so much for any help! If I can get this sorted, I will quite literally sleep easier at night :)
6 answers
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It is a bit hard to tell by not getting to see the door function in real life but I suspect over time the door itself is out of alignment. If that is because of damage (rusted out, kicked in etc.) you will need a new door as the lock mechanisms can only take so much sliding and pressure in directions they were not intended to get moved (up and down) check to see if the horizontal locking part that goes into the hole in the jamb is line up with the hole in the jamb. Ultimately, your landlord is obligated to provide a safe home. If you locked this door by accident when you were inside and there was a fire...you could die. If they won't step up to the plate; call your local fire Marshall for a free inspection and they will set them straight (or mention to your landlord you plan to for some other nice reason like making a family safety plan and verify proper safety equipment) and I suspect you will get a new door with a functional lock.
Moxie
on Apr 26, 2014
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Yes, I had a look at the door and it does look slightly skewed. So, is the only option to replace the door? Is there a type of lock which might better stand up and not go wrong again?
Emily Handler
on Apr 30, 2014
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Try replacing tge hinges and adjust the door with them to line up so lock bokts hit right
Moxie
on May 01, 2014
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I would recommend that you replace the door as well as purchase a new lock.You can purchase a similar simple door at Home Depo
Window Universe
on Jun 18, 2014
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I said in the original post that replacing the door wasn't really an option. But thanks for the advice!
Emily Handler
on Jun 19, 2014
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Actually, landlords in the US are required to provide good locks on solid doors, but maybe not in other countries - but its worth checking out!
Caroline Hardenbergh-Perry
on Aug 20, 2016
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