Mortise lock, installation

Question

I watched Mike's video on how to install a mortise lock, (purchased from your company), even though I was following your instructions, I got distracted momentarily and of course I dropped the lock into the frame, (second time). I was being so careful, but it still happened.

Do you have any idea or tips about how to retrieve it? Before this I also dropped the lock that I was trying to replace...ugh!

I am not a very skilled person, but I can generally follow directions and do some simple handy jobs around my house.

I hope you can help

Dave Sr. · Accepted Answer

I do have a few ideas that could work, but they're mostly theories. I haven't personally tried any of these.

First, try using a strong magnet on the outside of the patio door frame. Hopefully you can magnetically attach the part on the inside of the door and then slide it up to the cut out in the door. A magnetic wand could also be used on the inside of the door accessing through the cut out.

You could also remove the door from the track and see if it will drop out at the bottom after the roller is removed. This might not work, since many doors have welded corner without any cut out at the bottom rail. You could remove your door only to find that your corners are welded, too. In a worst case scenario, while you have the door out you can see if you can hold it in such a way that the part slides to the cut out. You will definitely need a friend for that.