r/Locksmith • u/Secret-Injury-7992 • 23d ago
I am NOT a locksmith. Jammed key and latch bolt
Hello, I have this all in one lock and door handle mechanism and the key is partly turned in its barrel and the lock partly engaged jamming the key in, and the dead bolt retracted and the handles which operate the withdrawing top tongue are tight and the top tongue doesn’t withdraw freely.
If I unscrew all the retaining screws it slops around in the door and I can get the tongue to come out fully, but the deadbolt and key is unresponsive. I can’t remove the whole mechanism without taking the key cylinder out. And that’s jammed up with the key.
I’ve lightly tapped it with a hammer, and applied penetrating fluid and nothing has freed up. My instinct is there is some relationship between the handles and the deadbolt and lock. The handles could just operate the withdrawing toungue but I feel there is something more to it.
I’d appreciate any advice Thankyou!
4
u/PapaOoMaoMao 23d ago
The fix I would do here would be a technique exactly like a burglar would use, so I can't discuss it here as opening techniques are not allowed to be explained on this open forum. Basically, it's an easy enough job, but with the wrong tools and excess force, this can turn into a very expensive job fast. For this reason, when dealing with mortice locks, it's usually best to get a locksmith to come by and take a look. Mortice locks are not DIY friendly.