Repairing a door latch that fails to fully return into the door rebate Part 3

Please fully read all earlier Blog Posts in this help series. Having successfully removed the lock from the door, place the lock on a flat surface without too much clutter around in case any pieces fall out during the next stage.

Check either side of the lock for the provision of a screw. Remove the screw to separate the two main housings parts of the lock.

Photo 4: showing the two parts of the lock, its assembly and the retaining screw

The spring provided to maintain the latch in the out position so that the door remains closed when shut. The spring locates onto a protrusion to prevent it slipping.

Photo 5: showing the worn end on one part of the rotating device

The rotating locking device moves along its separate housing, and this movement allows the device to be removed and to be reinserted. Either side of the rotating locking device is supposed to be identical. The difference in shape is caused by wearing of the metal during use. To restore your door lock to full working order, you simply dismantle the lock, turn the rotating locking device around, and reinsert it. Then place the spring back in position before securing the two main metal housing plates back together using the securing screw.

Photo 6: showing how you reinsert the rotating device

Place the lock back into the door and secure the retaining screws. Slide the metal bar through the central hole and bak into the door handle that is still secured to the door. Refit the door handle that you previously removed. Check that turning each handle does operate the latch. The watch should now return fully into the door lock allowing ease of use.

If a previous repair has already been undertaken to turn a worn rotating looking device around, then you will need to obtain a new device or a new lock for the door.

Hope this helps you in some way,

Happy DIY

Repairing a door latch that fails to fully return into the door rebate Part 2

Please fully read all earlier Blog Posts in this help series. The door lock that contains the latch is removed by removing the screws on the edge of the door that hold the lock in place.

Photo 2: showing the removal of the retaining screws

In this example it is a two lever lock which has a second bar or bolt with a thumb turn to lock a bathroom or toilet door.

Having removed the one or two securing screws, you then remove one of the door handles. Removal of the door handle allows you to access and then remove the metal bar that runs through the door and the door locking mechanism. Note: the metal bar will often be dirty with an oil like residue, so it is worth having an old cloth or some kitchen roll to hand to wipe this clean. You have to remove the bar in order to slide out the locking mechanism. If having removed the bar, it is difficult to remove the lock then; (1) check that all of the screws securing the locking mechanism have been removed from the edge of the door, and (2) then insert a screwdriver into the square opening into which the bar normally slides and use this screwdriver to slightly move the lock forwards.

Photo 3: showing the use of a screwdriver to assist in freeing the lock

Repairing a door latch that fails to fully return into the door rebate Part 1

I recently Blogged a series of 'How To' posts regarding how to repair a failed Renault Clio fuel flap. This series of posts is submitted in the similar vein of helping my fellow man.

These Blog posts are about repairing an internal door latch where the latch now fails to fully return back into the door rebate or locking mechanism when you turn the door handle. the failure of the latch to fully retract inwards towards the door will leave part of the latch protruding out beyond the door edge. This protrusion can cause the door to lock in the closed position, thereby trapping the user on the other side.

In all instances the commentary in this and other parts does not supersede professional advice or the skill of a trades person. All tools should be kept out of reach of small children. You should wear safety glasses when working in close proximity of a screwdriver and when working with objects that include springs that could force an item to dislodge and spring towards the user. It is best to keep small children well away and supervised by another adult during the repair process in case a small child inadvertently closes the door and locks themselves on the other side. I am unable to accept any responsibility for the advice obtained in these Blog Posts as you are free to accept or reject the advice as you see fit.

Principles of operation of a door latch: the latch mechanism contains a square hole through which a metal bolt or bar slides through and engages into the hollow internal recess of the pair of door handles which are secured one on either side of the door. For the purposes of these posts I shall refer to the central 'bolt or bar', as simply the 'bar'. As the user moves the door handle, the metal bar also turns inside a square hole in the locking mechanism. This turning action of the handles and the metal bar, simply retracts the latch back into the door.

Photo 1: showing the latch, thumb lock, and metal bar visible when the door handle is removed