All Questions
445 questions
0
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31
views
Fitting deadbolt strike with plate over plate-less one on a hollow metal door
I am trying to replace a deadbolt lock on my door (hollow metal one). The old lock is Mul-T-lock with a strike that doesn't have a plate (see photo). The new lock's strike is a standard in that it ...
-1
votes
1
answer
79
views
What is this style of lock called?
I would like to know the proper name / nomenclature so that I can Google it.
Key indicates it is a Schlage product
bolt is annotated in red square
round keyway is silver
- 3,154
0
votes
0
answers
68
views
Locally available tool to remove broken key from lock?
Photo shows a broken key deep inside the lock. I would like to find a tool (HomeDepot or local shop) to extract the key and salvage the lock. If such a unicorn exists that I can buy locally: what ...
- 3,154
1
vote
3
answers
47
views
What Adapter or Handle do I need to fix a Handle to Barn Door?
We have a barn-style garage with hinged double barn doors. The right-side door has a pull chain lock mechanism on the inside and a 5/8" (16mm) male hex bolt slightly sticking out of the outside ...
- 123
0
votes
1
answer
65
views
Old Doorknob and Stiff Lock
How to make the locks on these old (vintage?) spindle-style doorknobs (for bedroom doors) less stiff?
I also have a few of these wherein the lock (though I can move it all the way to the right) doesn'...
0
votes
2
answers
96
views
Anyone knows how to remove this deadbolt/lock without visible screw?
Here is the picture, would like to change it without damage to it:
- 11
0
votes
0
answers
33
views
How to adjust spindle nut that is not straight
Help please, a simple job to replace a broken window lock has got me baffled. The nut or whatever it is that will hold the new spindle in the window frame is not straight and looks more to be a ...
- 1
2
votes
2
answers
120
views
How to secure double doors from a dog
TL;DR: How do I prevent double doors from being easily forced open by a strong push (aka a dog)?
Our basement has double doors that partition a guest bedroom/laundry area from the storage area/dog ...
- 145
0
votes
0
answers
65
views
GU/Ferco multi point lock stuck
my 3 point lock has issues. Recently the bottom bolt would not retract and thus my door was locked shut. I had to take out the hinge pins and kick the door open. When inspecting the bottom slider ...
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
94
views
Lock door without using the lock or at least detect en
I will have some contracted workers in an apartment to work unattended.
The doors in the various rooms lock only from the inside and don't have a key but the locking mechanism is like a switch that ...
- 101
0
votes
1
answer
166
views
How can I remove this dual cylinder deadbolt?
The key for this lock is very rusty and old and barely works, so I want to replace the dual cylinder deadbolt lock, below the doorknob, with a new lock.
I don't see any screws on the deadbolt lock, ...
0
votes
0
answers
26
views
Pella three point patio door lock
My three point lock is in pieces. I would like to reconstruct it. Is there a source for a schematic for a 20-30 year old Pella swinging door lock?
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
34
views
Door bottom lock
I do not know the exact name of this part of the door which is missing in the door. Does any one know what name is that? Is there any way to fix this easily?
- 101
0
votes
2
answers
134
views
How do I fix a stuck deadbolt where the screws are obstructed?
The deadbolt in the picture is stuck in the locked position. There is some play in the deadbolt so it does not appear to be the case that the door is sagging or the plate is misaligned. I suspect ...
- 127
-1
votes
1
answer
81
views
How can I open a jammed key from a lock?
My key has been either jammed/ or got broken inside the lock, I tried multiple tricks to pull out the key, but none of the methods worked. Would appreciate any advice that can help me resolve my ...
4
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Door latch can be forced out of strike plate without turning handle
We have recently bought an adhesive door lock for my 3 year old's bedroom to stop her getting out of her room at night. However, we have discovered she is able to yank the door handle with enough ...
- 41
0
votes
0
answers
141
views
Bathroom Door Handle/Latch is Broken
The handle was not working properly and wouldn't activate the latch. Handle seemed to be acting as though it was locked when it wasn't. I took the plate off the latch and found that a piece of it was ...
- 1
4
votes
1
answer
219
views
Exterior Antique Mortise Lock Jams - Modify?
Looking for (experienced?) advice on my antique mortise lock.
I bought a door with an included mortise lock in SC. The bolt bears the name "Clinton," which I believe to be a late 1800s lock ...
- 41
9
votes
3
answers
3k
views
I lost the keys for a gate's lock. Where can I find a replacement cylinder or how can I get new keys?
I lost the keys for a gate's lock and I need to find a replacement cylinder or a way to craft new keys.
The cylinder has a peculiar shape. I couldn't find any brand on the gate or lock. I did find a ...
- 193
4
votes
1
answer
895
views
Deadbolt bracket hole (not "knob" hole) is too big
so I'm trying to replace an old double keyed deadbolt with a kwikset latched deadbolt in a very old front door. The "knob" holes for the deadbolt are a perfectly fine size, but the hole cut ...
- 41
3
votes
1
answer
672
views
Installing a lock for bedroom door
I have room mates and would like to be able to lock my bedroom door from the outside (via key). That way I can lock the room when I leave for work, etc.
Right now the door has a typical round door ...
- 381
0
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How do I use a T-handle for a garage door without a key?
Disclaimer: I am renting a house with 4 other people. There is no key for the garage door.
The T-handle is usually aligned vertically. I unlock the garage by simply turning the handle counter-...
4
votes
1
answer
410
views
My deadbolt isn’t retracting any more and turning it doesn’t do anythjng
I have a Schlage Encode and unlocking and turning the thumb turn. I was able to take it apart but doesn’t seem like it’s catching when I turn it manually. Also a piece fell out that I’m assuming may ...
2
votes
1
answer
876
views
How do I access my attic through a locked panel door? What kind of key do I need?
I have a leak in my roof that's coming through my ceiling. I wanted to get up into my attic to track it down and get a bucket underneath it as much as I can, but I'm not sure what type of key I need ...
- 121
0
votes
3
answers
297
views
What sort of dual-locking gate latch will work in my situation? [closed]
Contractor installed a gate - metal frame with composite “wood” slats - in my backyard. I want to be able to lock and unlock the gate from either side but the contractor is having trouble finding a ...
- 1
0
votes
2
answers
274
views
Can mailbox locks be rekeyed?
I have two mailboxes: My primary home has a cluster mailbox with a standard CompX lock (it was replaced ~5 years ago, in case that's relevant), and my second home has a standalone mailbox that I own. ...
- 109
0
votes
1
answer
792
views
How do I clean and lubricate the mortise lock on my front door
The latch bolt in the mortise lock on my front door hangs, presumably because of built up grime. At any rate it gets stuck before exiting the faceplate fully (see picture below), resulting in it not ...
- 281
1
vote
3
answers
314
views
What can I use to return a seized door lock to service?
A few days ago the key to the front door started to malfunction. I used a spray from the store to clean it up. At first it seemed to improve things but later the lock became completely stuck. I also ...
- 113
0
votes
2
answers
210
views
DIY Solution to rental doors with no latch
I just moved into a rental that has double doors (french door style) to the bedroom with handles but no latch or lock. It looks like past tenants have installed locks at the top of the door but it's a ...
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Old Mortise Lockset - Help figuring out a replacement type
I'm trying to replace a very old lockset on an exterior front door. It would be great if you all could help me figure out a replacement.
From what I know, I would guess this is a 2-1/2" or 2-3/4&...
- 445
4
votes
1
answer
280
views
Okay to screw into a vinyl sash?
My new replacement double hung vinyl window sashes were just delivered, and one is missing the locks. There are divots but no holes. I can reuse the locks from the old broken sash, but can I just ...
- 41
0
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why do my keys not work in my brand new door lock?
I bought 2 cheapo Reliabilt locking door knobs with keys to replace the existing door knobs/locks on a breezeway (the keys to which were lost long ago) and I'm unable to get the keys that came with ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
255
views
What do you call this pin holding two metal pieces together
I have a cabinet with a locking mechanism that's missing the pin shown in the following image from an identical cabinet. (Looks like a brass pin with a black crest-shaped clip holding it in place.) ...
- 1,597
0
votes
1
answer
5k
views
How do you fix a door lever that won't fully retract the latch bolt? [closed]
My front door lock won't open when I depress the lever on the exterior of the door. That's because the lever isn't retracting the latch bolt fully enough. (See photo below of what it looks like while ...
- 295
0
votes
0
answers
105
views
What's the name of this type of lock?
I need to replace this bathroom lock:
I drew the blue and red lines to show that the bolt and the handle are "staggered". Most locks I find have both in the same line, which is a problem ...
- 123
0
votes
2
answers
1k
views
My front door’s handle is loose - is there anything I can do about it?
Here’s a video of it loose: https://imgur.com/a/XRWKlVn
Is there a way to fix it or do I need to replace the entire front door lock/handle?
Edit: added additional videos of the inside. Can I just buy ...
0
votes
0
answers
92
views
How to install a deadbolt in a tight space?
Renting a home and trying to replace the deadbolt on the back door. However, the space where the lock slides in is very small and I can’t get the sliding piece into the door - the circled area is ...
- 1
-1
votes
3
answers
150
views
General Purpose Smart Lock -- how to approach the need to turn this deadbolt?
I can't take apart this door or handle or lock mechanism. (I rent this apartment long term.)
How do I approach adding a smart lock to a door handle like this? The need is to go over this deadbolt knob ...
1
vote
1
answer
611
views
What is the type of this window opener?
I know that this is a very old window opener, it has a body like espagnolette window opener except that the working principle is quite different. There are two metal bars passing by the upper and ...
- 13
0
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How to change locks on front door with old handle-set?
It is unclear to me how to change the locks on my front door. The handleset is old and the alignment of the deadbolt/key/knob doesn't seem to match what I see in Home Depot (see picture). Any advice ...
- 71
2
votes
1
answer
689
views
Swapping a lock for a double cylinder
This is a european style lock where you turn the handle up for the strike to come out and then turn the little knob underneath to lock it. Can a DIYer convert this lock into the type where a key is ...
- 31
0
votes
0
answers
123
views
How to remove this deadbolt?
I have an older deadbolt and instead of a faceplate or screws it looks to just have two “blanks”, and no visible way to remove it. Anybody familiar and know how to safely remove a bolt like this? It ...
2
votes
1
answer
177
views
Can I repair and rekey this salty security door?
I bought a new house that has an awesome security door that's missing the latching mechanism. It has a lock but I don't have a key for it, so I'd also like to rekey it. I started trying to take the ...
- 21
-1
votes
1
answer
124
views
How to open a door with no(or half?) a doorknob
I was studying in my living room when a gust of wind from the open window closed my bedroom door. I didn’t mind because, even though my doorknob is always falling off, I usually keep it close to me in ...
1
vote
1
answer
56
views
deadlatch operates by a simple push instead of push & turn [closed]
The door locks at my church are constantly being accidentally locked because the deadlatch button can latch by a simple push. Someone comes up and turns the handle, but inadvertently pushes the button ...
- 11
7
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Repair antique lock
We've bought a 1950s home and started doing minor reno's to the place. My partner loves the old door handle & locks so I'm trying to get them all in working order. One of the latches on the lock ...
- 71
1
vote
2
answers
111
views
Are lock cylinders (internal mechanism) lubricated in the factory? [closed]
As far as I know, the internal mechanism parts of the lock cylinder are made from zinc/brass and when this part develops problems spraying a dedicated spray (based on PTFE) through the keyway usually ...
- 115
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
How should I repair this metal gate lock?
The latch on our metal gate rusted and snapped off. I'm having trouble finding a latch similar to this one that bolts onto itself rather than being screwed/bolted into the gate. Since I cannot find a ...
- 21
1
vote
3
answers
81
views
What type of lock is this?
Here's a bit of back story I live in Missouri and their is no laws in place for either a landlord/management or maintenance to give me advanced notice or any notice of any kind to gain entry into my ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Frozen Kwikset door latch
I was having trouble with this door getting stuck shut, and now it is firmly frozen shut. This is just a standard latch, not a deadbolt. I took the knob off, and that does not help. How do I get this ...
- 77