lock not engaging on first pull up of handle.

Hi It sounds like your split spindle is working intermittently. If you have a lever/pad front door lock , you should not be able to open the door from the outside without a key. Send a picture of your handles and I will be able to determine which lock you have. info@vistaclear.co.uk Regards Michael

Pulling the handle up does not lock a door. Your description sounds like the door is operating correctly. Pulling the handle up will simply engage the mechanism in order to eradicate any draft, however you will still have to turn the key to lock it. If you had a split spindal you wouldnt be able to pull the handle down from outside at all.

The door lock you have is an old lock that was designed to autolock when you lift the handle. I don't thing they are made anymore ,people kept locking themselves out by mistake. As the one you have does work sometimes you may be able to salvage it. You need to remove the lock mechanism (thats the long metal strip running down the door.) 1. unscrew the handles and remove them and the spindle. 2. Remove the door barrel.(thats the bit the key fits in). One screw in the door hold it in,so remove it. now put the key in and turn it slightly as you gently push one side of the barrel until you can slide it out. 3. Take out all the screws holding the lock strip in the door. The whole lock strip should pull off now. 4. Clean it all and apply lots of WD40 especially to the centre lock box. 5. Now put it all back in reverse order. If that does not cure it then you will need a new lock mechanism. YOU MUST get one that is compatible ,it will probably not have auto locking . I would strongly recommend getting a specialist to do that .

Usually the door can be opened by pushing the handle down..inside or outside...standard way of locking is by turning key ...unless a slam lock is fitted. I would want to go to site to determine problem