Lock difficult to open with key.

[alggomas]

I have an era latch lock.
Extreemly difficult to open the door using the key.
However when the door is open the key opens and closes the latch with no difficulty.

Suggestions please.

 

[JohnD]

Post photos

I expect it's the alignment of the door with the frame. Maybe it has sagged or twisted or swollen

 

[festive]

As JohnD has rightly pointed out, i would bet on swelling, has it recently started happening? Esp if it's an unsealed wooden door this time of year onwards the moisture content will be enough to expand the door and push the latch alignment out.

Best is to close the door close to latch check good spacing at top and bottom of latch and the rebated area of latch were it slots into door frame, may well be binding here or front rear of latch. Does the door feel like its binding when closing near frame. Good luck.

 

[lostinthelight]

Draw all round bolt wth soft lead pencil then wind it in and out a few times to see where its rubbed off
just this morning have done the same thing on shed door with Era lock.

 

[Chud]

As JohnD has rightly pointed out, i would bet on swelling, has it recently started happening? Esp if it's an unsealed wooden door this time of year onwards the moisture content will be enough to expand the door and push the latch alignment out.

Best is to close the door close to latch check good spacing at top and bottom of latch and the rebated area of latch were it slots into door frame, may well be binding here or front rear of latch. Does the door feel like its binding when closing near frame. Good luck.

If it's a painted or stained door it's worth checking the condition of the finish - it could be that water is penetrating through a scratch/crack and causing the wood to swell.