Double door security bolt won't unlock with key

Hello @Coco_M

Thank you for sharing your question about your door's security bolt. I suspect that the internal mechanism of the bolt has failed and is preventing it from lifting the locking bolt that is in the ground. At the moment your door has an aluminium weather strip in front of it with a rubber sweeper at the bottom. I propose removing the weather strip so that you can access the bottom of the door. I propose using a small flathead screwdriver to try and lift the locking bolt while twisting the locking mechanism with your key in the opening direction.

If after several attempts the bolt will still not rise, I suggest using a Multi Tool in combination with a Kango 3 - Piece Titanium Toughened Plunge Cut Multi-Tool Blade Set KOATV-3 or similar, the blade you choose must be rated for cutting steel. With this tool, you should be able to cut the locking bolt and uninstall the door. Please take great care not to accidentally cut the door or the floor.

If you are replacing the locking set you can either use a similar model such as the Gainsborough Satin Chrome Door Security Bolt or the Whitco Black Patio Bolt. Using the patio bolt means that you will need to drill a new hole in the floor or you can install it at the top and anchor it to the frame of the door. Please don't forget to re-install the weather strip.

Please make sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask when cutting or working on your door lock.

Let me call on our experienced members @TedBear and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

@Coco_M @I have a similar lock, mine is installed on top of the door, if you can remove the hinge pins on the door, you will be able to remove the lock img mechanism, otherwise you will have to cut the the locking pin, as advised by @EricL , I have attached photos of my lock and key

I found this lock on the Bunnings website, hopefully it helps.

also, please check if your key is worn out, you can buy a replacement key from Bunnings

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25487#Comment_25487

Hi Eric,

Thank you for your response. I have removethe strip but the screwdriver or key do not do anything. There is max 2 millimeters between the door and the floor.

How thick is the blade tool and how do you use it please?

unnamed (1).jpg

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25489#Comment_25489

Hi Joe,

thank you for your reply. I have 3 keys and none of them make a difference.

These are the hinges. Where are the pins?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75433#Comment_75433

Hello @Coco_M

Thank you for posting those photo updates of your attempt to remove the locking bolt. I was hoping that there would be enough space to wiggle the screwdriver and reach the locking bolt. But it looks like the space is really small. The pin in your door hinge is like a straight bolt that is holding the folding pieces of the hinge together. You can tap the hinge pin out by tapping it with a medium-sized nail and hammer from the bottom. However, before you make the attempt to remove it, please observe carefully from the bottom of the hinge if the pin can be actually tapped out.

I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how the pin comes out. Once the hinges are loose you can lift the door and gain access to the bottom locking bolt.

Please make sure to wear proper safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your door.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

TedBear

Have you tried the simple approach of spraying the bolt and the mechanism with WD4O? Maybe it just needs loosening up a little, especially where the bolt goes down into the hole in the floor.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25503#Comment_25503

What a fascinating lock and key system! Never seen any thing like it. That 'key' looks like something that should be hanging in London Tower.

@EricLmentions you can buy replacement keys - does this mean the average thief/burglar could buy a key and then have access to all these locks, or is each key different in cross-section? The end is plastic moulded onto the steel pin?

@Coco_M - to my eyes Coco, that hinge looks to be sealed at both ends? Stainless steel? You would need to angle cut one end off and then punch out the pin?

As far as that lock goes - 10mm steel rod? As per @EricLs thoughts with the multi-tool, or - - is there enough room for a 125mm angle grinder with a 1.2mm thick blade to fit and cut??

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25503#Comment_25503

Hi Ted,

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried and failed.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75437#Comment_75437

Hi,

Yes the hinge is sealed at both ends...pretty but not helpful!

I think multi tool is the way but I don't know whether it will be thin enough to fit. Also I don't know how to use it.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101468#Comment_101468

Hi @Coco_M,

Multi-tool blades are very thin, and there's a good chance they'll fit into the 2mm gap. The tool is relatively easy to use; you just push the blade edge onto the item you want to cut. The blade oscillates back and forth, creating the cutting motion.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75433#Comment_75433

https://youtu.be/HzP1JzOgQi4

Try tapping the bottom cap of the double ended hinge, using a flat blade screwdriver and hammer, if this comes off, then you come continue to remove the hinge pin, as instructed by @EricL

I have attached a video of how it’s done.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117682#Comment_117682

Thank you Mitchell.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101474#Comment_101474

Thanks. Seems easy in the video, but I can even fit a precision screwdriver in under the cap !!!😂

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117686#Comment_117686

So there's definitely a cap involved with that hinge? Just looks like it has manufactured ends. Joe's video mentions the cap "has" to be at the bottom - but does it?

Have you tried pincers? Both ends?

An edit @1335 hrs today...

Just a thought - it's only the bottom pin that's stuck in the locked position - yes?

Cause if it's top and bottom - removing these hinge pins will achieve nothing?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101468#Comment_101468

@Coco_M @If you don’t have a multi tool, a simple hacksaw blade will do the job, it may take a bit longer to cut, eventually it will get through, just wrap one end of the blade with lots of masking tape, to form a handle, then proceed to cut , the hacksaw blade needs to be fine tooth, 32 teeth per inch blade will do the job.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117694#Comment_117694

That's excellent advice coming from @JoeAzza. I also suggest having a quick look at the Trojan 300mm Mini Hack Saw. Please make sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask when using this tool.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

@Coco_M just been thinking if the key keeps on slipping, trying wrapping the end of the key with aluminium foil, this might be enough to take up the slack of the worn teeth inside the locking pin, then try in the keyhole to see if this works

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127120#Comment_127120

Yes bottom only. But I am not sure there is a cap on the hinge at all....

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127126#Comment_127126

Thank you - that seems easier. I will get one.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133364#Comment_133364

Please keep us updated with your progress, if you run into any difficulties with the cutting tool, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137193#Comment_137193

Sure will do! thank you for your support. Much appreciated.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137193#Comment_137193

Success!!! 😀

@EricL @JoeAzza @Noyade @MitchellMc @TedBear

Thanks for advice and support Everyone!

The little saw did the job (together with my arm, gloves and goggles).

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139839#Comment_139839

I think you've done exceeding well with a hacksaw blade in such an awkward position, @Coco_M

Congrats! 👍

Even the cross-section of a 3" nail can prove difficult.

For what it's worth and should something like this happen again, I can recommend two other styles of mini-hacksaws that can be kinder on the hands and patience.

The BOA is difficult to explain in words - but it has a spring loaded arm that is in constant contact with the work and the blade is therefore unlikely to bend or snap.

The Sandvik uses a thicker and wider blade that just feels better - and you can add more force to the cut.

Cheers!

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139839#Comment_139839

That's fantastic news, I'm glad you got the locking bolt cut and the door open. Should you decide to get a new security bolt, please make sure to bring the old one with you so that you can compare sizes at the store. The other option of course is to install a Lockwood White Patio Door Bolt which can be easily installed on the surface of the door.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141669#Comment_141669

Hi @EricL ,

I would replace it but I still can't remove it. The screws are under the door.

I don't think I can fit the other one type either at the bottom of the door because I have tiles on the floor.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143052#Comment_143052

Hi @Coco_M,

Another suggestion for removing those hinges is to check to see if there is a hole at the bottom of the hinge, right in the middle of that cap. If there's a hole, place a long nail or screw into it and hit it with a hammer. This punches the hinge pin out the top.

That bottom section is likely a cap if there is no hole. Apply some painter's tape to it to help prevent damage and attach a set of vise-grips. Tap the vise-grips downwards with a hammer to dislodge the cap. You'll then be able to push out the hinge pin.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144017#Comment_144017

Thanks @MitchellMc

I think that's too hard for me though (no pin visible and 3 hinges). Since there is still a working lock at the top and a security door behind, I am no too worried.

I only open this side of the door when we have a delivery once a year or so!

I am actually thinking that maybe some kind of screwed in bracket to secure the bottom of the door to avoid draughts...?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144758#Comment_144758

Would a small flat plate screwed into the bottom timber work @Coco_M? Or, would it need a little offset to clear the weatherstripping?

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143052#Comment_143052

@Coco_M hi, if the door can now be opened, you should be able to see the hinge mounting screws, all you need to do is undo one side of the door hinges, (have someone help you to steady the door whilst undoing the hinge screws, then place the door on an elevated surface/table, this will allow you to remove the old lock mounting screws at the bottom of the door, then replace it with a new one from Bunnings, currently on special at Bunnings, I saw them there yesterday, approx $18.00.