AboutJames Expertise I am knowledgeable in almost every area of Locksmithing. This includes locks, keys, lost keys, residential and commercial lockouts, rekeying, masterkeying, high security locks, access control, electric locks, security cameras and home safety. I have been running an online business since 2004 where I sell all types of lock and security hardware to everyone from apartment renters to business owners to the US government. Before that I started a locksmith service in 1999. I deal with many types of security equipment including high security safe locks, heavy duty padlocks, exit devices, biometric readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, full surface hinges and I only sell what I personally stand behind 100%. The online business has given me a more in-depth look at the locksmithing industry, helping me to learn more about each and every product that I offer, as well as products I don't have but end up finding for customers to solve any issues they have with security or door hardware.
Please don't submit any automotive or safe questions as these aren't areas that I can help in.
Experience I have been Locksmithing since 1999 and own my own Locksmithing business. I have many years of hands-on experience through the many services I have performed for my customers. I've run my business the way I wanted, treating everyone as I would like to be treated and knowing that any customer could be my last if I didn't perform my locksmithing duties as I had promised.
Organizations Montana Locksmith Association
Education/Credentials I have a diploma in Masterkeying, Advanced Locksmithing & Locksmithing from Foley-Belsaw.
Past/Present Clients US government, colleges, schools, city and state governments, large and small corporations, home owners.
Question I have Schlage latch that won't push in. It is the kind that has the little piece that pushes in as well. I think this might be called a "closer" lock or somehting? Anyway, I have the latch assembly out of the door and can not push it in without a little help of turning the handle. When I push the little part in, the larger part still won't push in.
You are probably going to tell me to get a new latch but, I am just so darn curious as to what is going on in there.
Answer Hello Jim,
The small part is the deadlatch and is designed to prevent the larger part from being depressed when the small part is pushed in about half way. The deadlatch rests on the face of the strike plate when the door is shut and prevents shimming of the door, as with a credit card.
If the big latch isn't going in when you manually push it with your finger then the latch is damaged and those are not repairable. If you are unable to retract the latch when the latch mechanism is mounted in the door by turning the knob or lever then the alignment is off, the screws are too tight or the latch mechanism is damaged.
Spray some WD-40 or silicone lubricant into the mechanism to see if that helps. Otherwise it's replacement time for the latch.
