Looking for advice from a locksmith.

[the gypsy]

Well let me just explain the situation that I am dealing with. The commercial aluminum door on the inside of the apartment building is not always closing. It closes sometimes and sticks some times. The latch does not always retract when it hits the electrically actuated opener. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[vhol5]

Do you mean the latch doesn't always retract when it hits the electric STRIKE?
If thats the case, a little lube on both the strike and latch should do the trick.

 

[The Cobbler]

the latch in the frame is not always retracting?
could be worn , seen it over the years . lube would be a temp fix maybe.

 

[Augus7us]

Call the landlord and have the handyman come replace it?

-Clint

 

[the gypsy]

Call the landlord and have the handyman come replace it?

-Clint

I am the handyman and tried the lube weeks ago. So I took out the lockset on Sunday and clean it out and saw a little piece which was broken off. I lubed it up and reinstalled it, thinking that the little piece probably became stuck on occasion thereby creating the intermittent problem. But today my wife went to the property to hand the tenants some forms and it is today that she noticed the problem reoccurring.

 

[the gypsy]

the latch in the frame is not always retracting?
could be worn , seen it over the years . lube would be a temp fix maybe.

Thank you for your response, I might have to replace it. Although I don't just want to throw new parts in if it is not the cause. Especially since there is no visible sign of wear that may impede the latch from retracting or catching on the strike plate. I inspected visually and also ran my finger over the surface to feel for some slight obstruction like a burr which might hang up, but none of that. As for the broken little piece that I found inside, I think it is a small hook that holds the latch in the open position so people moving in and out do not always have to be buzzed in or have to open with their key.

P.S. I am not a locksmith but dabble with locks and handles quite often.

 

[The Cobbler]

try to rub your finger across it as if it was latching. see if you hit a tough spot or a bind in the latch , also the same on the strike .
these doors open 10's of thousands of times and wear is a big factor.
also see if the door swings freely as the pivots on them can wear and cause binding.un hook the door closer & try the door without it attached with the lock retracted and see how it operates. the door closer is weaker at the near closed position too, so it's all a factor.

 

[PhysicsDude]

Crank up the latch speed on the door closer a little bit.

If the door doesn't have a door closer or adjustable latch speed, install a hydraulic door closer.

 

[RVDan]

Make sure the door hasn't sagged.

 

[Toolfool]

Make sure the door hasn't sagged.

This. A little bit of sag can cause the bolt to hang up on the bottom edge of the cutout in the strike plate.

 

[the gypsy]

I wish to thank those who took the time to respond. But after going through all the answers and trying the solutions I still have the same problem. I may be missing something, so I will keep reading till I either figure it out myself or someone will come up with a solution.

 

[no704]

Post some pics

 

[kbs2244]

I would look for dirt along the bottom track` throwing things out of alignment

 

[hd54kh]

If the door is not always closing it is hanging up on something maybe and when it closes just enough to latch maybe it is putting enough outward pressure that the solenoid can not retract the releasing mechanism?

Terry

 

[the gypsy]

No hd54kh I am not having a problem with the solenoid. I am have an intermittent problem with the latch.

 

[jhelrey]

Is this an electric latch? If so, there is a spring that breaks and it won't operate correctly. The easiest way to test is to remove it and shake it.

Check the door for sag. Check all screws etc in the door jambs, mortise lockset, etc.

I've filed the latch before to a smoother shape when needed.

Use a flashlight and watch the door latch.

I work in commercial so I run past door issues daily but troubleshooting online isn't easy.

Pics help as well.

 

[the gypsy]

Thank you jhelrey. I will look at the latch closely and as for the springs in the latch, they are not broken. I will try to post some pics in a few days.

 

[engineer2]

Tighten up the hinge screws to see if it helps.

 

[Pate]

It's normal for the latch to get worn from constant use. The latch that's normally used in those doors is made by AdamsRite and they use the 4510 series. They also made a heavier version called the 4900. They come in 4 backsets (distance from the edge of the door to the center of the mortise cyl) but 31/32" and 1 1/8" are the most common. They are cheap enough to make fixing them not worth the trouble. I have them in stock if you need a replacement. I can get them at wholesale cost. You just need the backset and finish (alum or duro) they are reversible for door handing.