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I have the following door handle / lock combination that leads out to my garage. The key for the door has long been lost and sometimes someone will turn the internal lock and the door cannot be opened from the garage side. I wish to disable this lock, how do I do that?

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Could you just replace the knob with a non-locking version of the same shape and style? – Tester101♦ Jul 4 '12 at 16:17
I could be that would require a lot more effort and cost and is currently plan B. If I could disable this lock that would be the best solution. +1 for suggestion though as it is certainly valid. – Guy Jul 4 '12 at 16:35
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I'd remove and disassemble the lock and try to figure out how to disconnect something inside it so that locking capability is disabled. – sharptooth Jul 5 '12 at 7:52
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I thought this was a home improvement site? I'd get a new lock with a new set of keys. You're going to need to spend the money one day when you sell the home, why not enjoy the benefit of it while you live there. – BMitch♦ Jul 5 '12 at 12:49
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I don't get why so many people focus on installing a new thing. The OP is ready to toy with his current lock and spend time on that and he asks a specific question on what can be done. I'm pretty sure he knows he can buy a new one and I'm pretty sure it was his sane decision to first try adjust the lock. Why so much focus on "spend this sum of money and forget about your idea"? – sharptooth Jul 6 '12 at 9:31
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3 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

First, unlock the door. Now place a piece of tape across the small knob you use to lock/unlock the door so that it doesn't move. Next, take off the handle and glue the knob in place so that it cannot be operated. Re-install the handle.

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What if I just put some superglue into the gap around that small knob when it's in the unlocked position without disassembling the lock? – Guy Jul 4 '12 at 18:05
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I'm sure that would work too, I just figured you'd get better looking results if you did it from inside the lock instead of outside – Steven Jul 4 '12 at 18:16
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Does this door allow access to your home from the garage?If it does, not only do you want it the lock to work but you want to use it. Automatic door openers are not the most secure system. A thief can access your garage and walk in to your house via the inside door. – mikes Jul 4 '12 at 22:45
@mikes - both the automatic garage door and the internal door are alarmed. I figured that if someone were to open the garage door then that alarm would trigger and putting another obstacle in their way (i.e. another door lock) wasn't going to help much after that. – Guy Jul 4 '12 at 23:08
@Guy Bear in mind an alarm does not actually stop a thief or vandal, it might only scare them (or not). And if the alarm is not monitored, it provides no protection when you are away. Just some thoughts. – The Other Steven Jul 5 '12 at 16:08
up vote 3 down vote

Another option is to take the lock to a locksmith and have it re-keyed to a new key (and get a bunch of copies of that key). I have heard that this can cost less than the cost of a new doorknob.

However, as this would involve removing the knob and taking it the locksmith, I would probably just get a new knob and replace it (unless you really like the style/color/etc of the current one).

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up vote 1 down vote

Glue could fail and/or look ugly. Other options cost money. When you remove the inside knob, you will see a connecting rod protruding from the latch mechanism that engages the lock button. Cut this off so it no longer engages the lock button. Do not cut the semi circular shaft that engages the main lever! Ensure the remaining stub is turned to the unlock position and reassemble the knob. The lock button will now turn freely, but it's impossible to lock the knob without a key or disassembling the knob.

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