How to fix lock jam on fly screen?

[Ivy119]

When it’s really hot, the silver lock levers get stuck and I’m not able to open the door.

Due to the recent heat, it looks like it’s now stuck for good and I’m unable to unlock the levers. Please note that I also don’t have the key for this door. Is there any way to get it open?

Thank you.

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ivy119,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

When locks like this jam, it is often because dirt, grit or other small particles have gotten inside the mechanism.

My suggestion is to remove the screws and take the handle out of the door, give it a clean with some WD40 and a cloth, then apply a silicone lubricant such as this WD-40 Specialist High Performance Silicone to the moving parts of the lock.

After this, operate the lock a few times outside of the door to test it and ensure the lubricant is getting into the correct areas before reinstalling.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Ivy119]

Hi Jacob

Thank you for your speedy response.

 

The lock is jammed while the door is closed. I removed the screw to try taking off the handle, but noticed the bottom part (lever & key lock) won’t budge, so I can’t fully remove it.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

Thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ivy119,

Can you access the other side of the door? 

There should be another screw going through the bottom of the handle, which may be accessible from the opposite side of the door.

If you can remove that screw, you should be able to remove everything else.

Let me know what you find.

Jacob

[Ivy119]

Great suggestion! 
so I went to the otherside of the door and able to unscrew and pull out the handle.

As marked in the picture, thats the hole of the levers that’s jam. I have sprayed D40 and push the lever again, however its still doesnt budge..

Any suggestion what else I need to do?

Thank you.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ivy119,

If you use the lock barrel at the bottom as a bit of a handle, can you move the lock body at all?

Sometimes, slight misalignment or tension can stop the operation of the lock, so moving it around in the rebate could help to alleviate this tension or misalignment and allow things to move. Try jiggling the lock up, down, left and right to see if this helps.

If you're still not getting anywhere, you are going to have to look at drilling out and replacing the lock. If this is the case, you'll need a drill with a 4mm drill bit. Position the drill straight into the top half of the key slot. The goal is to drill out the tumblers, which are the small pins that prevent the barrel from turning. Use light, steady pressure and keep the drill straight. Once the tumblers are destroyed, the key or a flat-blade screwdriver should be able to turn the barrel and open the lock. At that point, the lock will be unusable and will need to be replaced. This Rolltrak White Keyed Sliding Screen Door Lock should be a suitable replacement, but I would bring the current lock body in store with you to compare and confirm this.

If you are not confident, then you could always get in touch with a locksmith for some assistance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob