era invincible

[lockpicker69]

Has anyone ever come across the case/lid cover coming loose on the old era invincible?
I would say I roughly get about 1 or 2 a year but never had it on any other makes, well maybe an old 2 lever legge but these locks have been around a lot longer than the eras
Just thought it was worth a mention .
Richard

[Mark A]

Thinking about it, I've come across this happening on most makes of lock at some time or other, but the most common I've seen over the years is Union (and variants) by a long way.

Mark

[AJS]

Just two nights ago I was called out to a job and it was an ERA Fortress in which all the screws on the lockcase were loose by at least one turn. When I asked how long the lock had been in the door reply was just a couple of years.

[AJS]

Just two nights ago I was called out to a job and it was an ERA Fortress in which all the screws on the lockcase were loose by at least one turn. When I asked how long the lock had been in the door reply was just a couple of years.

[lockpicker69]

I know these locks were fitted about 12 years ago due to a refurb project and the problem started maybe 2years after that ,like I say may get 2 a year and probably other makes aswell but the eras stick in my mind more than others and because of that I got myself a invincible mortice lock component kit, but appears that they are not sold now ,it was a very handy piece of kit to have in ,I also have one for the endurance ,its a shame other lock makers don’t have such I thing .unless anybody knows any different .
the full component kit consists of the following obviously you can make your own on any lock you like or the most popular one you come across.

levers (cut 1-8) pack of 10
Follower spring " "
Key cam " "
Bolt spring " "
Cam spring " "
Keys-set of 3 keyed alike 2 sets pack of 6
Case screws lol pack of 10
Single screwdriver.
Various lever packs 5 I think

[horsefeathers]

I have similar I suppose, but I just have all Legge spares in one box, all ERA spares in another etc.

regards

[horsefeathers]

I have similar I suppose, but I just have all Legge spares in one box, all ERA spares in another etc.

regards

[taylorgdl]

Just two nights ago I was called out to a job and it was an ERA Fortress in which all the screws on the lockcase were loose by at least one turn. When I asked how long the lock had been in the door reply was just a couple of years.

ERA Fortress and Classic have only been out since the beginning of this year as they are new BS3621 2004 edition locks that are made instead of the Invincible, Profit and Viscount.

[parapilot]

Just started using the Fortress, took one apart to change the hand on a lock change....oh dear lol, bloody things, also lost the black latch spring as if flew off somewhere. Silly locks Give me ASEC anyday soooo easy to change the hand.

J

[horsefeathers]

er....you dont need to take it apart to change latch hand. It comes with a small tool to exert pressure on bolt outwards so you can twizzle it round then removing tool allows latch bolt to return into casing slightly.

I think they are crap locks. The main follower spring....god help you if the follower comes out of its hole and the spring gets under. A right pig to relocate and get the case back on, without any levers etc pinging off. I had a brand new one where the curtain was badly moulded and so sat slightly off to one side of the keyway. No way I could sell it so stripped for the lever pack and springs.

regards

[Mark A]

A tool is required to remove the case cover which holds the spring in place. There is a sticker on the lockcase warning you of this.
I think both the Fortress and Classic are good solid locks and have yet to have a problem with them.

Mark

[Sbecspeledrx]

I really like the fortress. Good solid lock, cheap, difficult to force open, difficult to pick and even lockies are short of the tools to do so, fits in place of the old ERA locks. And very easy to change handedness if you just read the instructions.

It's the main lock i fit now.

[NKT]

Probably aside from picking the D"£$ things!

Mind you, I did have a problem with one or two. The key didn't work from the factory, brand new out the box. Bit of a wiggle, and it works fine, and is perfectly fine forever. Just a bit of a gotcha!

[parapilot]

Yes, i found the tool after i opened it , it was a lock change so didnt need the other bits out of the box, just grabbed the lock! just went into autopilot and opened the thing up. Sure they could have made it easyer and saved cash on a tool. Still fit 80% asec tho, have era and others for like for like lockchanges etc

[lockey1963]

The fortress is a tricky lock, but with the safe ventures decoder and the new fortress plus pick from mark francis its certainly becoming an easier opening.

It is a decent lock to fit all in all, though i too prefer the asec for cost and ease of fitting, plus as my area is all legge its an ideal choice.
One problem found in a large number of batches of this lock is the hardened bolt, it is extremely brittle and can shatter when forced.

In fact a few bolt tails have sheared off when applying heavy tension with the pin and cam, and although heavy tension not excessive.

all this said, both locks are a good solid lock to fit.