Mortice Latch Advice

karlitob

Hi all

I’m changing the swing on the door in a bedroom. I need to replace all the doors upstairs so I’ll do that at another stage.

I was hoping I could just remove and turn around the latch (in case I’ve gotten that wrong - the bit that sits into the stationary hole on the other side so the door closes).

It’s a very old model. There’s a screw which I’ve underdone but nothing comes apart.

There are also these nibs that seem to secure it. They’re not easily releasing for me.

Any advice? Will I cut these off with a dremel or what should I do? I want to avoid buying a new latch if I can but if I have to I have to.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058352204/mortice-latch-advice

Hi, does the faceplate come off, perhaps that's holding it all together. But yea, it should otherwise be possible to complete as you planned.

karlitob

so sorry everyone. A hammer did the job.

Couldn’t fix the latch. There were four interlocking small brass plates held by a pin that was peened. Gave it a lash turning it around but it’s a mess. The door has never been closed anyway so I’ll just horse the latch in and hope it gives us no trouble until we change the doors.

What a mess.

Doolittle51

They usually come apart easy enough once you take the screw out. They're designed to be reversible.

When replacing them, I'd recommend Yale, far superior than basta or the other cheap brands. Yale are a bit more expensive but worth it. Might find them online, usually as cheap as you'd buy an equivalent basta in woodies.