Unlocked door still needs key to open from outside- why?

i take it this is the front door. there are two types of handle you can get.
lever/lever and lever/pad. you have a lever/pad handle.
lever/lever handles are used on back doors which means that when the locks are disengaged the door can be opened from both sides using the handle.some times they are used on front doors but i would only use them if the customer wanted it so as they can be a security hazzard. for example, if your wife came in with the shopping and just closed the door behind her then anyone could follow her in simply by operating the handle.lever/pad handles prevent this. the outside handle only engages and disengages the locks; it does not operate the latch! only the key will do this.
if you want to use the door with a lever/lever handle system then there is one of two things you will have to do and it depends on what locking mechanism you have.
first take off the handles. if there is a split spindle (a spindle is the square metal rod that goes through the door and the handles attach either end; i do not mean to be condesending) then simply put in a whole one. if however the centres of your handles are offset i.e. the outside handle spindle goes through one hole whilst your inside spindle goes through another hole then you will need to buy a new set of handles as you need the spindle centres to be the same. be aware there are many different handles available, different centres, screw hole positions etc.....type in upvc door handles on your search engine, most sites give technical info and diagrams to show you what to measure. it is your inside handle measurements you need to match up.

levilewy
March 2009