I have a front door in my property which self locks from the outside and I wanted to change it to not self lock as I've already locked myself out in the month that I've had it.
I wanted to find out, what is it that I need to exchange in the door?
To explain, the door has a handle with a twist lock on the inside, and bolts on the side at the top and the bottom. When I close it, it can't be opened from the outside. When I close it from the inside and lift the handle, the bolts on the side at the top and bottom pop out.
Do I need to exchange the handle, cylinder or spindle to stop it self locking?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
If the internal & external handle levers are both on the same axis then you will only need to change the existing split spindle to a solid spindle. But if the external handle lever is on a different axis to the internal one (usually lower) you will also need to change the handles so that both levers operate on the same axis.
If the handles need to be changed you need to ensure that you get the correct replacement handles to fit your door locking mechanism; you can't just purchase any pair of handles & expect them to fit, as they may not line up correctly.
Most Locksmiths will carry suitable replacement handles on their van, or if not they will know exactly what size/specification to order in.
Some locksmiths are suggesting changing the gearbox or even the door (I hope that was a joke), absolutely not.
You have a split spindle and is designed to do what you describe, this is a safety feature to stop unwanted people just walking in.
If you look at the handles from the side they should be offset, if this is the case you would need a new set of handles and a spindle, but the handles must be the same type and size or they may not fit.
If the handles are level you will have a spindle that itself is split in two and you will only need to exchange the spindle for a straight through type.
Once competed correctly the handle will open from both sides
From the description, it sounds like you have a split spindle handle (the handle is lower on the outside of the door and controls nothing, so you need a key to draw back the latch), if this is the case, you can just swap the handles to a standard pair with a single spindle.
Available to purchase from Help Locks or if your in West Yorkshire, we can supply & fit
You have a split spindle mechanism.
You might be lucky and get away with putting a straight through spindle but I would say you will at least need to change the handles.
Depending on the manufacturer of the MPL (Multi Point Lock) you may have a split spindle gearbox, you can identify this 2 ways, the handles are slightly higher inside/out or when removing handles off your door there are 2 square spindle holes.
Solutions
1) Buy a pair of handles that run at the same height on the spindle bar
2) Depending on manufacturer you maybe able to change the gearbox.
Multiple answers
Depending if its paddle handle
Or split spindle
One or the other
Answered18 March 2022
0
Anonymous user
You require a full spindle as right now your door is fitted with split spindle,All you have to do is unscrew the screws which hold the handle and replace the spindle .
It does depend on the existing handle.
If the handle on either side or the door are the same height and position then it is just the spindle that needs changing however if the outside handle is lower than the inside handle then you need a new pair of handles.
New pair will need the screw holes in the same place and both handles to be the same