I can not open my Coldseal (year 2001) backdoor, it is not locked but the catches have been engaged into the frame and the handle has gone all loose and floppy. There is no way I can get to the catches as the door fits against the frame. The square bar between the two door handles just turns around without any resistence when door handles have been removed, it seems as if the fitting has broke. Any suggestions on how to open the door would be a great help

Kit., February 2007

Had the same problem yesterday, luckily my son in law is a double glazing fitter.
He came round and looked at the problem, we eventually opened the door by removing the hinges. This meant the door would move enough to get a screwdriver in to push the hooks out of engagement.
refitted the hinges, fitted a pair of " sash jammers " to enable the door to be secured short term.

Now ordered a replacement lock.

Keith, November 2008

One tip I overheard was remove the glazing/panel but that's all.
I imaging you can either access the bar that carries the locking parts and prise it up or drill holes into the plastic glazing channel to access the bar, I couldn't try it on my daughters door as I live in sussex she lives in Devon and my arms are too short. Another point is to price up a locksmith against having a new door fitted as by the sound of it the mechanism has broken anyway.

Bob, February 2007