You are reading a single comment by @Airhead and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
To my defence, the lock that is fucked is the nightlatch, which previous owners work. All I did was change the lock cylinder and put in a new beefier deadlock (which works fine). The issue with the latch is either the door or the door stop is on the wonk, so unless you slam the door hard, the latch doesn't quite fully engage and can pop open (weird Ingersoll design with rounded latch). Fine when we are out as we always deadlock, but sometimes when we are home it will just come open.
Hovis
@Airhead
The mistake you're making is assuming that lock fitting is a simple diy task that can be successfully achieved with relatively few tools and a bit of experience. The DIY gods require years of sacrifices before imparting the wisdom and tools necessary to make a door lock work.
Maybe if you cut off a finger and offered it you might during the ensuing pain receive the wisdom needed in a flash of inspiration. There is a small altar for offerings at the back of most B&Q's.
Alternatively read the instructions properly and make sure you have all the tools you need!! :)
On a serious note you should buy a 2nd hand carpenters brace and bag of auger bits to fit it in various sizes, like 20 or 30 sizes. It's much easier to fit locks with one of those than the electric equivalents. Takes a bit more time but you can stop it going wrong before it's too late. Shouldn't cost much either, they are all available 2nd hand and usually work fine.