Replacing Lock in a UPVC Door It can be intimidating to change the lock on a Upvc door, but with proper preparation and knowledge it is possible to do it quickly. This article will assist you in understanding the process and get started. The first step is to remove the screw that holds the barrel lock. The screw is colored differently than the rest of the screws, and it is located on the edge of the door's front. Preparation If you have a faulty lock or you want to upgrade to a safer lock replacing the lock on your upvc door is an excellent idea. But, before you begin, you should prepare the door for this job. First open the door wide and then prop it with blocks of wood on either side to keep it from closing while you're working on it. This will help prevent the door from breaking or damaging the frame while you are trying to take off or replace the lock. Then, examine the door to check for indications of wear and tear or damage. It is best to contact a professional locksmith if you notice any problems, such as a broken hinge or a broken handle. A professional locksmith will have the right tools and know-how to fix the issue without causing any further damage. A door handle that is sloppy can be caused by various factors but the most common reason is a lock that is not lubricated. This can be solved by lubricating the hinges, but it is possible that the issue could be due to a problem with the internal mechanism of the lock itself. When replacing a lock made of upvc it is essential to keep in mind that the lock for the barrel can be removed and replaced separately from the cylinder. To do this, a screwdriver of standard size is required as well as the appropriate key. It is best to remove the screws holding the lock in place so you can check what's wrong with the mechanism. It is a good practice to label each screw after you've removed them. This will allow you to place them back where they belong when you put back the lock together. Doing this will save you time and frustration when trying to put everything back together later on. It is also necessary to know what size your lock cylinder is in order to locate the right replacement. Take the old lock cylinder off to measure. Once you have your measurements you can use the internet to search for the right replacement cylinder. Remove the Cylinder If you are replacing the lock on a upvc glazed door by yourself be aware that the barrel houses the tumblers. The key needs to be aligned with the barrel to open the door. You'll need to be in a position to remove the handle and get access to the faceplate of the side lock. You can use a paperclip to unclip the interior handle if you have full access. But if you don't have access to the entire lock, you'll have to employ an even more robust method such as drilling out the old pins. Once you have access to the lock cylinder you will need to locate the screw that holds it in place, this is usually a larger sized screw that is located inline with the lower portion of the cylinder. It should be loose. After you have removed the screw, the cylinder will slide out quite easily and then you can simply remove the handles. It is now time to measure the cylinder in order to make sure you get the right size replacement, this is best done while the old cylinder is still in place. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/dover-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can use a ruler or tape measure to determine the distance between the screw hole and the center of the cylinder (or between the pencil marks on the sides of the cylinder). Then you can measure the cylinder's diameter from one end to the other. You'll need to purchase a new cylinder after you have the cylinder's dimensions. This is usually a straightforward job, but be careful when you order as a lot of cheap cylinders are sold incorrectly and can leave the lock vulnerable to gaining access through a method known as "lock snapping" which is simple for a criminal to do if they have enough time and the appropriate tools. If you are unsure an expert locksmith can help. Replacement of the Cylinder Upvc doors are generally sturdy but, as with any lock mechanism, they may get worn out over time. They are also susceptible to expansion and contraction, and 1mm out of alignment could be enough to stop the door from locking or unlocking properly. Often the lock is damaged or broken when it is hit by a kick or slammed onto a hard surface, but in some cases, the lock may are simply worn out and become brittle with age. Whatever the reason was caused, the lock's cylinder is usually the one that must be replaced. Changing the lock barrel on your uPVC door is an simple task that can be done in less than five minutes. It is possible to change the barrel of your lock for various reasons, like the tenant has departed your property without returning the keys or in the event that the door was struck hard and the cylinder was damaged. You can easily replace your own cylindrical cylinder if you have a spare, but you will be required to ensure that the new one is the right size to fit the door. You'll need to determine the distance between the screw hole in the middle of one cylinder and the square spindle in the centre on the other. Once you have these measurements, you can order the correct size cylinder from a lock retailer. When it comes to replacing the cylinder you will require a pair of screw extractors or a set of drill bits that are specially designed for this type of work. They are available at a variety of home improvement stores, large hardware stores and even online. It is crucial to open your door prior to removing the cylinder. Once you have the new cylinder in place you'll need to insert it once more and lock it in place using an extended screw attached to the retaining screw hole on the face plate of your lock. After that, you can screw the long screw back, and then test your door to ensure that it locks correctly. Striker Plate Replacement If your uPVC door lock mechanism is stuck when closed, there is likely to be a problem with the uPVC door itself or the strike plate. This could be due to the uPVC expanding or contracting, if the strikeplate is loosened, or the lock is not in alignment. Lubricate your lock first. This will help clear the blockage, and bring it working again. You can use dry lubricants like graphite, or wet lubricants like WD-40. Make sure you select an oil that is safe to use with your uPVC door and lock. You can also try tightening the uPVC strike plate screws, which will help to prevent the cylinder from moving. It is important to be cautious not to cause damage to the screw that holds it, but this can be done with an ordinary screwdriver. Another solution to the uPVC lock problem is to replace the strike plate. This can be done using the cross-tip screwdriver 3 or a torque tool. Before replacing the strike plate, you must clean it and sand any sharp edges that are on the mounting surface. After sanding you can apply a filler like fiberglass compound or aluminum. This will fill in the cracks and prevent water from getting inside the cabin and causing damage to it. UPVC doors and windows offer many benefits such as energy savings and increased security. They can also boost the value of your home should you decide to sell it. However, they can be costly and it is therefore important to do your research prior to investing. UPVC is a durable material that is able to withstand the most severe weather conditions. It is also nonporous, and will not rust, which makes it a great option for areas with significant amounts of rainfall. However it is important to keep in mind that UPVC doors are limited in options for customization and may not be appropriate for all homeowners.