Door knob with key overriding thumb turn

[gatlingsu]

This should be super easy for many but I just couldn't find an answer, and search seems not coming up much for me.

For the first time I dealt with a door knob (a house entrance door) that if someone inside turns the thumb turn to lock, outsider can't open the lock with the key.

I need to change this to how I had seen all these years: From outside, the key overrides thumb turn.

My question is,

1, can i tweak the existing knob to the way I prefer? Existing knob has a similar look to this Just a moment... (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ikonic-brass-ruby-entrance-set_p0200008)

2, if no, I think I can buy the set in the link above, and change the whole thing (i understand there might be extra steps but that is not relevant to the question I have now). How do I know I am buying a set that key overrides thumb turn? Bunnings page doesn't seem to specify this.

3, any keyword to search online to find the door knob set I prefer so I don't end up buying the same thing I already have on the door?

Thanks

[Wrongwayfirst]

Maybe try some silicone spray? I don’t have a solution as not had it happen before.
cheers

[r3nov8or]

Doesn't sound right, and could be a safety issue, so i'd replace it. Standard entrance sets will behave as you expect

[gatlingsu]

Doesn't sound right, and could be a safety issue, so i'd replace it. Standard entrance sets will behave as you expect

Thx. I see.

At least bunnings accepts return in the case I really find a wrong set.

[ErrolFlynn]

I’ve sometimes found that door locks play up something awful if the various components are out of alignment. For example, if I’ve removed the handle and lock assembly to enable the door to be painted. (I can’t stand paint on the metal parts.) And then when the door is dry and I replace the door lock, in what seems the exact same way, something sometimes doesn’t work so well. It’s usually an alignment issue and undoing the screws, making a tiny adjustment, then tightening them again will fix the problem.

If you didn’t do any of that and the handle hasn’t been damaged by the door being slammed against the wall with the handle hitting it, or you haven’t carried any heavy boxes inside that have knocked the handle, then chances are it’s an age thing and the easiest plan might be to replace it. Or take it to a locksmith. And locksmiths are good at key matching.

[gatlingsu]

I’ve sometimes found that door locks play up something awful if the various components are out of alignment. For example, if I’ve removed the handle and lock assembly to enable the door to be painted. (I can’t stand paint on the metal parts.) And then when the door is dry and I replace the door lock, in what seems the exact same way, something sometimes doesn’t work so well. It’s usually an alignment issue and undoing the screws, making a tiny adjustment, then tightening them again will fix the problem.

If you didn’t do any of that and the handle hasn’t been damaged by the door being slammed against the wall with the handle hitting it, or you haven’t carried any heavy boxes inside that have knocked the handle, then chances are it’s an age thing and the easiest plan might be to replace it. Or take it to a locksmith. And locksmiths are good at key matching.

Thx. Yes I do plan to check with local locksmith. I think I should take off the covering and try adjusting a bit, maybe that will just work.

[r3nov8or]

Thx. Yes I do plan to check with local locksmith. I think I should take off the covering and try adjusting a bit, maybe that will just work.

If what you linked above is a like for like replacement, $17 will likely be the cheaper option compared to a locksmith. But do spray the mechanism, as suggested above :)

[gatlingsu]

If what you linked above is a like for like replacement, $17 will likely be the cheaper option compared to a locksmith. But do spray the mechanism, as suggested above :)

yes. i expect locksmith will answer some questions for free, but tweaking the lock definitely will be beyond $17.

[Beardy]

Remove both handles from the door and reassemble, you will most likely find it hasn’t been installed correctly with the lock release knob being in the wrong location so it can’t be rotated correctly with the key
Failing that replace the lock at Bunnings unless you want to waste a lot of money at a locksmith

[rambunctious]

Remove both handles from the door and reassemble, you will most likely find it hasn’t been installed correctly with the lock release knob being in the wrong location so it can’t be rotated correctly with the key
Failing that replace the lock at Bunnings unless you want to waste a lot of money at a locksmith

What beardy said +

if the tongue is not fitting correctly into the jam this will also cause problems.
Very much sounds like not fitted correctly as I believe it is a new lock because at #4 you mentioned returning it to bunnings.

I had a similar problem this week with a key lock on front door (barrell and key same a security lock.
Removed barrel and found nib on assembly worn on one side so I fitted barrell opposite way round and all good.

This was a barrell and key fitted by thieving locksmith when I was away for 2 days and partner called him at 10am Saturday and the prick turned up at 1.30 and charged after hours fee. $220 for a lock which retails for $35 today.

Time for me to change it 7 minutes after spraying and stuffing around.
Locksmiths are not my favorite people.

[r3nov8or]

Reminds me of the story of the TV repair man that comes in, looks at the screen, bangs the old TV on the top, TV is fixed. 2 minutes work and...
"$51 please"
"What, $51!!. You only hit it!!"
"Yes, $1 for hitting it, $50 for knowing where to hit it"

[gatlingsu]

Remove both handles from the door and reassemble, you will most likely find it hasn’t been installed correctly with the lock release knob being in the wrong location so it can’t be rotated correctly with the key
Failing that replace the lock at Bunnings unless you want to waste a lot of money at a locksmith

Thx, will try that

[gatlingsu]

What beardy said +

if the tongue is not fitting correctly into the jam this will also cause problems.
Very much sounds like not fitted correctly as I believe it is a new lock because at #4 you mentioned returning it to bunnings.

I had a similar problem this week with a key lock on front door (barrell and key same a security lock.
Removed barrel and found nib on assembly worn on one side so I fitted barrell opposite way round and all good.

This was a barrell and key fitted by thieving locksmith when I was away for 2 days and partner called him at 10am Saturday and the prick turned up at 1.30 and charged after hours fee. $220 for a lock which retails for $35 today.

Time for me to change it 7 minutes after spraying and stuffing around.
Locksmiths are not my favorite people.

About the 'return' part, i meant that for me it is not very concerning if I buy a lock from bunnings and find it is still not the way I want it, I can return it with minimal fuss. Then buy the right one.

The lock in question is probably a few years old. I will try following advises here, seems promising because some videos i watched also highlight that tongues and sleeves need to lined up 'on the same correct side'.

[gatlingsu]

When I had a small aircon installed, i mentioned to the technician my big aircon is too weak. He checked and asked for $200. He fixed it in a few mins and showed me the broken part that is about eraser size. Replaced. Works.

And yes, he priced this at a balanced figure, not too high for me and good enough for himself. I appreciate he saved me $3000 for at least 4 years now.

[rambunctious]

Reminds me of the story of the TV repair man that comes in, looks at the screen, bangs the old TV on the top, TV is fixed. 2 minutes work and...
"$51 please"
"What, $51!!. You only hit it!!"
"Yes, $1 for hitting it, $50 for knowing where to hit it"

My reply is about the fitting of a lock and also locksmiths, both mentioned.
What does this have to do with televisions ??

[r3nov8or]

My reply is about the fitting of a lock and also locksmiths, both mentioned.
What does this have to do with televisions ??

Some people, not you, nor me, would have no idea where to start with a door lock, so the tradesman, when duly called by grateful customer for help, can charge what they believe 'reasonable' for the total **service** provided

[jack620]

$220 doesn't sound reasonable.

[Beardy]

$220 doesn't sound reasonable.

On the contrary, a lawyer or other consultant will charge you that and more for just a phone call.The tradesman has travelled to and from your job with an offsider and probably cost him two hours of working time in his day. Kinda makes it good value for money by comparison I think

[rambunctious]

On the contrary, a lawyer or other consultant will charge you that and more for just a phone call.The tradesman has travelled to and from your job with an offsider and probably cost him two hours of working time in his day. Kinda makes it good value for money by comparison I think

Reminds me of the joke
If you have a lawyer buried up to his neck in sand, what is the problem?
Not enough sand.


Now as to a locksmith, why would they need an offsider ?
Or is that an Irish joke, one person to hold the screw driver while the other turns the door around.:)

We can all agree to disagree but in the past 20+ years I have had more and more people tell me of exorbitant prices
but I have also found people who get shafted through their own greed, so sadly, it can go both ways.

[r3nov8or]

$220 doesn't sound reasonable.

The appliance repairers around here charge $140 call-out to assess the repair, paid in advance, and then charge $120 first hour (two years ago), then prorated every 15 minutes after that. Soon adds up. I'm not on for a chat, that's for sure! Often better off paying for a new appliance, with new warranty...

[jack620]

On the contrary, a lawyer or other consultant will charge you that and more for just a phone call.The tradesman has travelled to and from your job with an offsider and probably cost him two hours of working time in his day. Kinda makes it good value for money by comparison I think

Lawyers don't charge $220 for a phone call, unless it's a very long call. They bill in 6 minute intervals at their hourly rate. In any case, I reckon it's a bit rich to compare a lawyer's hourly rate to a locksmith's. And I don't think it's reasonable to charge over $100/hour for driving.

[jack620]

The appliance repairers around here charge $140 call-out to assess the repair...

Yeah, those guys are expensive. I've been lucky with them, because they were able to fix the appliance on the first visit. So just the call-out fee plus parts.

[r3nov8or]

Yeah, those guys are expensive. I've been lucky with them, because they were able to fix the appliance on the first visit. So just the call-out fee plus parts.

Yes, unfortunately my parts have never been in the van.

The general point is that for any home callout for any trade, if you escape for under $200 you are doing very well

[Beardy]

Lawyers don't charge $220 for a phone call, unless it's a very long call. They bill in 6 minute intervals at their hourly rate. In any case, I reckon it's a bit rich to compare a lawyer's hourly rate to a locksmith's. And I don't think it's reasonable to charge over $100/hour for driving.

I think you might be a little out of touch with the current costs of doing business. I am not aware of any employees that get paid less while driving between jobs, it is all part of their working day.
I know service related businesses have had to increase their callout rates because with all the traffic congestion they don’t get to do as many jobs in a day as they used to.

Anyway you either have to be prepared to pay the going rate or work out how to fix the problem yourself

[jack620]

Anyway you either have to be prepared to pay the going rate or work out how to fix the problem yourself

Ain't that the truth. I pity the poor old widow or single mum who has neither the skills, nor the cash to fix things around the house.

[ErrolFlynn]

When I was a lad at high school I looked forward to the woodwork class. My wife also wanted to do woodwork when at school, but she was told she’d be in the home science class. We were also restricted in the jobs we could get as adults. Today you’ll see female electricians, women working in transport, or as mechanics. Actually, a lot of that technical stuff might be more suited to women with their smaller hands and greater dexterity. For example, if you think about the amount of space under the bonnet of your car it’s not difficult to appreciate how they’ve taken to that trade or any other – eg. locksmiths. Thankfully, the times are a changing.

[jack620]

Women have much less strength in their hands and hand strength is required for most trades. I had a female brickie do work for me once. Her brickwork was the cleanest I had ever seen. But she kept taking time off for stress injuries to her hands.