Hi, the problem is that when using the outside handle, the latch wont open the door. If I use the inside handle,the latch opens and the door opens. Having a brief look, I realise that each handle has a different spindle that work independently of each other. The door wll close if I pull it hard to, but wont open from the outside. The door will security lock with the bolts if I lift up the outside handle. Please advise

Ian Lowey, September 2007

Thanks for your advice but I was a bit of a plonker. It was dark when all this happened and when I got around to look at it in the weekend in the light, I realised that the trim on the bottom of the door had been knocked to the right and was catching in the hinges!!!!

ian, October 2007

it sounds like you have got what is known as a lever/pad mechanism. if this is the case then the door will only unlock from the outside by using a key. the plate on the frame where the latch catches when the door is shut should offer some form of adjustment so that you don't have to yank the door shut. adjusting that slightly should also make the external key operation a little easier.
dave w

dave w, October 2007