Front door warped - urgent

[maimai]

I can't lock my front door from the outside. Every year in summer it gets a little difficult, but perhaps it's gradually getting worse or perhaps it's just cos it's been so hot lately but today meant to go out and spent 20 mins trying to pull it out - used WD40, used a towel to try pull it. Now I don't know whether shaving a piece of bottom of door or need to change locks. On the outside wall there is some cracking so I guess it's a touch of subsidance too. Any ideas how to deal with or who to contact

[Diamondson]

All timber doors are liable to 'move', that is shrink, swell or twist slightly with the changing seasons, usually filing the keeper to the lock will do the trick or get a handyman to take the keeper off and move it slightly. I have three doors that I've had to do this with over the last couple of years. The only door not affected is my workshop which faces north and is out of the sun.

Failing that, the frame might need planing a little if the door is twisted. There isn't much you can do with the door itself if it IS twisted.

[feebal]

Sorry I might be being really dim but what on earth is 'filing the keeper to the lock', in fact what is a 'keeper' full stop? I also have this problem with my front door and am most intrigued. PS Also what is a 'twisted door'?

[BriWrite]

You dont quite specify the exact problem, why change the locks if you are contemplating shaving a piece of the bottom of the door? Usually if a door is sticking, which may be what you are describing, the best way is to push it towards the frame until contact is made. Then push a piece of paper between door and frame and slide it all around marking the spots where the paper wont slide. Its at these spots that the door needs planing. You may be able to sand the offending spots with a sanding disc attached to a drill, which is much easier. Hope this helps.

[maimai]

Thanks for responses. We're not sure what to do - moving the lock would need to be so precise. And presumabley they may need to be moved back in winter? In winter there are huge gaps around the door.
Like the idea re the piece of paper around to mark. Planing underneath will be difficult because of space. I've two men on the case at the moment, but they are scratching their head and looking at the collins blue book as I type...