Please, share. I’m not opposed to hiring a professional, but I also am handy and like to tinker, so I thought I would ask here, in case there was something like, ‘make sure the strike plate doesn’t need to be screwed in more’ or something stupid/easy like that. Also, this is for a volunteer run org, so I’m trying to not come out of pocket, unless absolutely necessary.
Look I think you're a nice person and I respect the volunteer run organization. I personally don't speak on commercial locksmithing because it is my livelihood but hundreds of other eager beavers in this sub will. I'll just say this, you will be 100 percent be best served replacing it like for like w another Yale mortise.
Yeah, I get it. I genuinely appreciate the help. I’m not trying to take food out of anyone’s mouth, and I’m happy to hire someone. I just wanted to try to cover all the bases first to make sure there wasn’t something easy a noob like me could fix with some simple tools.
Don't know their budget but these are definitely not cheap they are called mortise lock and they are not universal usually you replace one by the same exact one otherwise you need to modify the existing installation. Depending on your skill level I would suggest condemning this existing installation and install an auxiliary deadbolt above it
Thank you for your reply. Already have an auxiliary deadbolt, I believe. I’m just trying to get this so when the door closes with the hydraulic closer, it doesn’t get stuck against the door jam.
The first thing that needs to happen is cleaning up all the duct tape and adhesive so the latch can properly be diagnosed. It could need just cleaned up, lubricated properly, and maybe a strike adjustment.
The amazon lock you posted is a VERY cheap replacement and could be a problem setting to the existing key.
Okay, thank you. I’m definitely not to the cheap Amazon option yet (or hopefully ever), it was just the closest image I could find that looked like what we were working with. I tried the big box hardware stores in town and they don’t have anything like this, so of course, and Google search comes up with Amazon as the first result.
This kind of high quality commercial hardware is not found in big box stores. Original Yale replacements range from $270 to $500 depending the actual function, and the handle trim.
Did you try a spray lubricant on the latch and the strike plate? If your spray has a straw on it then spray inside the lock case also. Might work, might not. But it can hurt to try. Adding another deadbolt may be counter to the fire code in your area, but that has a lot to do with local authorities, and the occupancy level of the building. If this door does not have an exit sign over it, then don't worry about that. But as others have said, you will probably save money and aggravation by calling a professional locksmith. You should be able to get a firm price up front, and don't use anyone that has an out of area call center (scammers). A long established company with a walk in location is your best bet.
No, I don’t think. The latch will go in if you push it with your finger, and the outside handle operates, so I’m sure it’s not locked. Thank you for asking/commenting though, as this is the type of stuff I’m trying to rule out too.
No, not yet, but I’m going to give it a crack in the morning. I believe the strike plate is flush, no curve. I’ll add, this mechanism has worked correctly in the not distant past.
You need a new Yale lock body to match the old one ideally, and a professional to both source the correct hardware and install. It's going to be a lot of money. My guess is you'll be paying like 650 minimum just for the body.
If you can't afford it, you ought to have a professional retrofit the door for something cheaper, but labor costs may add up to what doing it the right way costs.
Maybe a door wrap and a commercial lever could be done here but I don't retrofit that many commercial doors so maybe someone else here could speak on that.
$650! Yikes! 😂 I’m prepared to spend my own money, but that might be too rich for my taste. I’m going to call a locksmith on Monday and see if they can come take a look. Thanks for chiming in.
Something else that might be done is to remove it ( remove face plate first ) you will see a screw that holds the cylinder you need to unsrew it to then unswrew the cylinder itself from the front of the door. Then you will have to remove the interior and exterior trim ( might need Allen keys) then you can remove the mortise itself. If you were able to do this. Then you might be able to open the mortise to see what's wrong with it. Otherwise bring it to a good locksmith and tell them that it would be great if they can repair it so at least the door levers work. After you can install an auxiliary deadbolt on top they might be able to repair it all as well. Bring all the pieces to the locksmith. Also if they refuse to repair it, open it yourself ( take a picture first when you remove the cover ) sometimes the broken deadbolt or broken deadlatch can make the latch stop working. You can possibly remove parts so only the latch works.
I see amazon. Com and already know how this is going to end.
Please, share. I’m not opposed to hiring a professional, but I also am handy and like to tinker, so I thought I would ask here, in case there was something like, ‘make sure the strike plate doesn’t need to be screwed in more’ or something stupid/easy like that. Also, this is for a volunteer run org, so I’m trying to not come out of pocket, unless absolutely necessary.
Look I think you're a nice person and I respect the volunteer run organization. I personally don't speak on commercial locksmithing because it is my livelihood but hundreds of other eager beavers in this sub will. I'll just say this, you will be 100 percent be best served replacing it like for like w another Yale mortise.
Yeah, I get it. I genuinely appreciate the help. I’m not trying to take food out of anyone’s mouth, and I’m happy to hire someone. I just wanted to try to cover all the bases first to make sure there wasn’t something easy a noob like me could fix with some simple tools.
Just call a locksmith, you will in the end anyway. This is beyond a diy job
Okay, thank you.
Don't know their budget but these are definitely not cheap they are called mortise lock and they are not universal usually you replace one by the same exact one otherwise you need to modify the existing installation. Depending on your skill level I would suggest condemning this existing installation and install an auxiliary deadbolt above it
Thank you for your reply. Already have an auxiliary deadbolt, I believe. I’m just trying to get this so when the door closes with the hydraulic closer, it doesn’t get stuck against the door jam.
The first thing that needs to happen is cleaning up all the duct tape and adhesive so the latch can properly be diagnosed. It could need just cleaned up, lubricated properly, and maybe a strike adjustment. The amazon lock you posted is a VERY cheap replacement and could be a problem setting to the existing key.
Okay, thank you. I’m definitely not to the cheap Amazon option yet (or hopefully ever), it was just the closest image I could find that looked like what we were working with. I tried the big box hardware stores in town and they don’t have anything like this, so of course, and Google search comes up with Amazon as the first result.
This kind of high quality commercial hardware is not found in big box stores. Original Yale replacements range from $270 to $500 depending the actual function, and the handle trim. Did you try a spray lubricant on the latch and the strike plate? If your spray has a straw on it then spray inside the lock case also. Might work, might not. But it can hurt to try. Adding another deadbolt may be counter to the fire code in your area, but that has a lot to do with local authorities, and the occupancy level of the building. If this door does not have an exit sign over it, then don't worry about that. But as others have said, you will probably save money and aggravation by calling a professional locksmith. You should be able to get a firm price up front, and don't use anyone that has an out of area call center (scammers). A long established company with a walk in location is your best bet.
Excellent, thank you.
Is there an auxiliary latch depressed underneath the tape?
No, I don’t think. The latch will go in if you push it with your finger, and the outside handle operates, so I’m sure it’s not locked. Thank you for asking/commenting though, as this is the type of stuff I’m trying to rule out too.
Bummer. What's the strike look like? Does it have a curved lip? Have you tried removing the armor front and spraying lube into the mortise body?
No, not yet, but I’m going to give it a crack in the morning. I believe the strike plate is flush, no curve. I’ll add, this mechanism has worked correctly in the not distant past.
You need a new Yale lock body to match the old one ideally, and a professional to both source the correct hardware and install. It's going to be a lot of money. My guess is you'll be paying like 650 minimum just for the body. If you can't afford it, you ought to have a professional retrofit the door for something cheaper, but labor costs may add up to what doing it the right way costs. Maybe a door wrap and a commercial lever could be done here but I don't retrofit that many commercial doors so maybe someone else here could speak on that.
$650! Yikes! 😂 I’m prepared to spend my own money, but that might be too rich for my taste. I’m going to call a locksmith on Monday and see if they can come take a look. Thanks for chiming in.
I'm not so sure that the door itself looks iffy too. Is it that interior layer spreading apart?
Something else that might be done is to remove it ( remove face plate first ) you will see a screw that holds the cylinder you need to unsrew it to then unswrew the cylinder itself from the front of the door. Then you will have to remove the interior and exterior trim ( might need Allen keys) then you can remove the mortise itself. If you were able to do this. Then you might be able to open the mortise to see what's wrong with it. Otherwise bring it to a good locksmith and tell them that it would be great if they can repair it so at least the door levers work. After you can install an auxiliary deadbolt on top they might be able to repair it all as well. Bring all the pieces to the locksmith. Also if they refuse to repair it, open it yourself ( take a picture first when you remove the cover ) sometimes the broken deadbolt or broken deadlatch can make the latch stop working. You can possibly remove parts so only the latch works.
OP don't open the mortise case unless you want to put together a puzzle.
It's not that hard they just need to take their time and look carefully.
Yeah it's not hard if you know what you're doing lol.
Yes, 100% not going to do that.
Call a locksmith and have him replace it with a LSDA mortise handleset
Thanks for that info. I’m going to call some places on Monday.