how to replace lock or handle?

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Quick Learner from New Hampshire

Mar 4, 2017 2:48 pm

The door is locked closed. How to unlock? or dismantle, because the handle screws are too tight in to the door frame.

3 Replies

Paul from SWISCO

Mar 10, 2017 9:40 am

Being there are screws on the side of the handle against the wall, I'm assuming you can't reach to unscrew. You might have to go outside and drill a hole in the handle where the key plug is to get to the mortise lock. Then, you can use a screw driver to manually throw the mortise and unlock the door.

Professional from CA

Mar 10, 2017 2:50 pm

It is more likely that the mortise is broken and the lever is only moving the top hook.
Unlock the door (as if both hooks were still working)
Try lifting the door up and over the bottom part of the strike.
If you are lucky, it may open.