Euro Double Cylinder Lock open with 2 keys

[caseyjonas]

Gents,

I have a few of the yale euro double cylinder locks (common lock in UK - especially in uPVC doors).

My problem is if the key is in the mechanism and turned on one side of the door you cannot put the key in from the other side and unlock. (usually kids lock the door and forget to take the key out, so when I get back from the pub I can't get in).

Question.
(i) Can the key be shortened slightly so it will work. (I would prefer this its easier - I did try but perhaps I shortened it too much as cylinder turned but nothing unlocked). Obvious point I'm a novice to locks.
(ii) Can changes be made to the cylinder mechanism so it can be locked/unlocked from both sides.

I'd be interested if it can be done seeing as you can get the lock whiching has a key one side and knob the other.

[pinky]

this cannot normaly be done with yale, if you put a pick in from the key side of one with a thumb turn you will feel the spring loaded follower, in a double key lock there is no spring loaded follower, the key pushes this into position so shortening the key will lock you out.

my advice would be to get one with a thumb turn, they are no more than £5 to £10 dependant on lock make.

[Al]

Several manufacturers offer specially designed double cylinders which can be opened from outside even when a key is inside. A common example is from Viro, if you see one side is stamped 'External' it means that side will still operate the cam even if a key is left turned on the Internal side. Not all Viros are to this spec.

Shortening the key - DO NOT GO THERE.

[toomush2drink]

I shortened a gegge before with no problems as people were always leaving keys in the door and it allowed me to get in but have tried it on other locks to no avail.

[oldlock]

The trick is to shorten the key with a single stroke of a file at a time, and push it in really hard and try and turn it. The idea is for the key to drag the other plug around kicking and screaming.

Paul

[Rockford]

I've just returned from a lockout on a well known football managers house. The door had a multi-point locking mechanism on it, operated by lifting the handle to lock, and the key to deadlock. A key had been left on the inside, and when they left the house and lifted the handle - it locked. When the key was inserted to deadlock it - it wouldn't fully enter the cylinder.

By shortening the key a fraction at a time, I managed to open it. Bit nerve racking though.

Rockford.....