Lever handle door lock not working
#1
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Lever handle door lock not working
The lock on the lever door handle to the bathroom is in the locked position (pressed in) but the door does not lock. I took the handle apart and the release blade which appears to be spring activated is all the way into the outer door handle and springs back when I pull it out.
I am not sure how this mechanism works and could use any advice or reference to a schematic that would give me some ideas.
Thanks.
I am not sure how this mechanism works and could use any advice or reference to a schematic that would give me some ideas.
Thanks.
#2
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"Privacy" function locks, typically used on bathrooms, and use a simple poke tool or coin to unlock, don't have too many moving parts....what brand is it? how old is it? Some of the cheaper brands aren't worth fooling with; replace it. If it's one of the more expensive brands, oiling the moving parts sometimes helps.
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Thanks, it is a schlage (spelling?) and I used some wd40 on the button when I took it apart but no luck... I compared the non functioning one with another one that was working and it feels like the buttons' spring mechanism is shot (no spring back when I turn the handle to unlock)... Time to buy a new one...
#4
Using WD40 on any lock product (almost any product) will wreck the lock in the long term.
Never use WD40 to lubricate. It is designed to dry out. WD stands for water displacement. 40 is the number that relates to the formula that achieved the desired result.
When you displace water, you dry out the surfaces, which is the opposite of lubricating.
Never use WD40 to lubricate. It is designed to dry out. WD stands for water displacement. 40 is the number that relates to the formula that achieved the desired result.
When you displace water, you dry out the surfaces, which is the opposite of lubricating.
#5
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Schlage generally makes a pretty good product...you didn't say how old or how much use your lock gets, but the lighter duty "F" series for residential use is the line usually found in big box stores, & this is most likely the one you have. For a heavier duty lock, look for an "AL" series Schlage, or see your local locksmith to get one...they're a little beefier, allbeit a tad more expensive.
#6
or if you dont mind, not using Brand name products, there are multiple manufacturers of similar to Schlage product lines that produce some very high quality hardware.
Cal-Royal, LSDA, USCAN etc, are brands that you might not necessarily see in the big box stores, but they produce largely identical products to Schlage at significantly more competitive prices.
Cal-Royal, LSDA, USCAN etc, are brands that you might not necessarily see in the big box stores, but they produce largely identical products to Schlage at significantly more competitive prices.
#7
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In agreement with Global on quality, but do get pricing from several sources; these brands are sold mostly by locksmiths, who generally sell for full list price plus, due to pricing structure chain (from Factory to Regional Stocking Distributor to Local Wholsaler, to Locksmith) so you end up paying the smithy more than the similar "name brand" lock would cost at the Box, because the Box can buy large quantities direct at large discount and thereby sell to you for substantially less than list.
I don't shop much online so I don't know what you will find with a search for these alternate brands, but this might be your best bet.
I don't shop much online so I don't know what you will find with a search for these alternate brands, but this might be your best bet.
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Sorry if I am hijackiing your thread but I have the same symptoms and I found this thread. I have Schlage from the big box L*W*S and HD and I just found out today that 2 of my bathroom privacy lever locks dont stay locked. One lock is 5 years old and according to my wife never worked (??) Now a 1 year old lever lock on the other bathroom that has 2 locking doors doesnt work but the other lock purchased at the same time is fine. Now these locks are on a vacation house which gets very little use. You lock from inside and one quick lift up and a push down will unlock the door from the outside. Are they junk??
#9
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Generally, no, if only considering that Schlage's F series, including the Privacy function has been one of the most widely installed residential locks in the past 10-15 years.
Two things to consider: (1), A poor installation will sometimes result in a malfunctioning lock & (2), Realize that residential grade locks will not stand up to very heavy and/or abusive use. The "abusive" use could be one person, one time, upset that he was locked out and jerking for all he's worth on the lever.
Remote, but also possible, could have been a bad production run that got thru QC.
Two things to consider: (1), A poor installation will sometimes result in a malfunctioning lock & (2), Realize that residential grade locks will not stand up to very heavy and/or abusive use. The "abusive" use could be one person, one time, upset that he was locked out and jerking for all he's worth on the lever.
Remote, but also possible, could have been a bad production run that got thru QC.
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Thanks for your reply.
Give me some thoughts on the installation. I installed them myself, is there something I am missing? I just removed them from the door yesterday and took a look at them, nothing obvious but then i am not sure what to look for. We dont have any kids here or anyone that would be locked out to abuse the locksets. The door will unlock if you lift once then down then up. If you just push down without lifting the lever up it stays locked.
Give me some thoughts on the installation. I installed them myself, is there something I am missing? I just removed them from the door yesterday and took a look at them, nothing obvious but then i am not sure what to look for. We dont have any kids here or anyone that would be locked out to abuse the locksets. The door will unlock if you lift once then down then up. If you just push down without lifting the lever up it stays locked.
#11
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As long as the door is not thinner than 1-3/8" and the lock mounts in a solid portion, with the 2-1/8" Dia. hole drilled accurately at 2-3/8" backset (or 2-3/4") +/- 1/8", install is pretty goof-proof. Barring even a one-time abuse event, you've either got a lemmon, or discovered a little-known design weakness. Perhaps a smithy with extensive residential experience might chime in.
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Schlage levers not staying locked
IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!
Called Schlage a month back to ask a warranty question on the aforementioned lever passage sets. It is a problem that they are aware of and sent me 3 new passage sets free of charge to my door, showed up in 3 days. One of my passage sets was 5 years old and the other 2 were barely 2 years old and both had the same issue. They asked if i had a receipt, which I probably could have produced with some effort but it wasnt necessary.
Called Schlage a month back to ask a warranty question on the aforementioned lever passage sets. It is a problem that they are aware of and sent me 3 new passage sets free of charge to my door, showed up in 3 days. One of my passage sets was 5 years old and the other 2 were barely 2 years old and both had the same issue. They asked if i had a receipt, which I probably could have produced with some effort but it wasnt necessary.
#13
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Thanks for the update! Maybe it was a bad production run, as they generally make a pretty good product.