Trouble with door locks

[AnnKeith]

Hi just been to van this afternoon unlocked ok but took me 20 mins to get door to lock, i sprayed some wd40 and it locked.
Is there anything i could spary on to lock that would make it easier to open without damaging the lock please
Thanks Ann

 

[forestgump]

try again you need to get down to the barrel its easy get the brass keys and coat with vasaline and put barrel back thats if its a hartel.

 

[TINHUTONWHEELS]

Had the same fault today on ours.
Stripped complete lock assembly off of the door and investigated inside a toasty warm van.
Anyway I found it was the plastic interior open/close lever sticking inside the fixed door handle. Emery clothed the shaft a bit and filed the door handle guide. Re-greased, now a 100% better. I have no idea why this should of all of a sudden start to seize/stick.
Hope this helps...

 

[forestgump]

its common fault that still not changed dont take mutch to work out ?

 

[Damian]

The problem with Hartal locks has been around for a couple of years now.
It is due to the plastic surrounding the barrel swelling and sticking.
As has been said , it needs stripping down, the plastic redcing in circumference and lubricating with silicone grease ONLY.

Do NOT use WD 40 or Vaseline as that has the opposite effect and swells the plastic again.

 

[Parksy]

Here are some instructions on how to free the Hartal door lock:

1/ Using the point of a Stanley knife blade prise off the circular red and green plastic screw covers and the grey cover with Hartal written on

2/ remove the four retaining screws and separate the lock from the caravan door.

3/ On a worktop or bench turn the lock assembly over and remove the circlip and double spring clip to release the locking handle from the lock assembly.

4/Use a round file or sandpaper to slightly enlarge the hole so that the handle moves freely.

5/Spray with silicone and reverse the procedure.

 

[AnnKeith]

Thanks for advice i'll give it a go at weekend.
ann

 

[ColB1]

This was really useful. Thanks for the step by step instructions. The handle gets stiffer as the weather warms up but I am hoping that following a bit of filing, things will be fine. Did need circlip pliers to release handle, not normally in your average range of DIY tools, but well worth having for those once a year jobs!