Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Schlage Deadbolt Will Not Close
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curtiss5155
05-29-03, 06:16 AM
I HAVE A SCHLAGE DEADBOLT THAT WILL NOT CLOSE BACK INTO THEDOOR. THE DOOR IS CURRENTLY CLOSED AND THE DEADBOLT IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. i HAVE TAKEN THE FACE PLATE OFF OF THE DEADBOLT AND CAN SEE THAT THE DEADBOLT PULLS HALWAY BACK AND THEN STOPS. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET THE LOCK TO OPEN.
schiejr
05-29-03, 11:18 AM
I am not sure what you mean by the faceplate that would allow a view of the bolt, if the door is currently locked. Or do you mean the inside plate with the thumbturn?
Usually when it pulls back halfway, it is a sign of binding or of excessive wear in the bolt mechanism or tail piece, which would start gradually not working quite right. Binding would come to a complete stop and would feel pressure on the key. Wear would be normal resistance as the lock turns and then a slipping as the tailpiece slips.
Try pushing in, lifting and pulling on the door while turning the key. This can eliminate the bind or help a worn piece in the lock catch just enough to get the bolt to open the rest of the way.
www.schlage.com has some pictures if you could let me know what it looks like.
Usually when it pulls back halfway, it is a sign of binding or of excessive wear in the bolt mechanism or tail piece, which would start gradually not working quite right. Binding would come to a complete stop and would feel pressure on the key. Wear would be normal resistance as the lock turns and then a slipping as the tailpiece slips.
Try pushing in, lifting and pulling on the door while turning the key. This can eliminate the bind or help a worn piece in the lock catch just enough to get the bolt to open the rest of the way.
www.schlage.com has some pictures if you could let me know what it looks like.
curtiss5155
05-29-03, 11:25 AM
The door is currently closed with the deadbolt locked. I tried lifting up on the door and pushing in as I tried turning the locking knob. The bolt would still not unlock. So, I took the key lock off and tried moving the bolt back with a screwdriver. The bolt will go halfway back and then stop.
schiejr
05-29-03, 01:26 PM
In that case it most likely is a problem with the bolt. Sometimes they can be blocked by a chip of wood in the works or something may have broken.
If it is broken I would use the screwdriver and some vise grips to put some heavy pressure on the bolt. It is either going to retract or you are going tear it apart. You can dismantle the bolt from inside and replace it with a new one. Depending on the model, you can purchase a replacement bolt from a locksmith or builders hardware store. If it is one of their newer locks purchased at a home center, parts may not be available, the last I heard.
Good luck.
If it is broken I would use the screwdriver and some vise grips to put some heavy pressure on the bolt. It is either going to retract or you are going tear it apart. You can dismantle the bolt from inside and replace it with a new one. Depending on the model, you can purchase a replacement bolt from a locksmith or builders hardware store. If it is one of their newer locks purchased at a home center, parts may not be available, the last I heard.
Good luck.