Replacing Lock in a UPVC Door Replacing lock in upvc door can be daunting however with the proper preparation and know-how it can be done quickly and easily. This article will help you understand the process and how to get started. The first step is to take off the screw that holds the barrel lock. It's a different colour to all the other screws and is located at the edges of the door. Preparation Replace the lock on your doors made of upvc if you have a faulty one or you want to upgrade. But, before you begin, you should prepare the door for this job. First you must open the door wide, then prop it up with an object of wood on each side to keep it from closing while you're working on it. This will prevent the door from fracturing the frame or the door when you try to take it off or alter the lock. The next step is to check the door for any signs of damage or wear and tear. It is best to call an expert locksmith if you find any issues like a damaged hinge or broken handle. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/chelmsford-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ will have the tools and know-how to resolve the issue without causing any further damage. Locks that aren't lubricated are a frequent cause of a loose door handle. It is possible to fix this issue by lubricating your hinges. It could be due to a malfunction in the internal mechanism of your lock. It is important to know that you can change the upvc lock cylinder and the barrel lock separately. To accomplish this, a standard screwdriver is required as well as the appropriate key. Once you have these items it is a good idea to remove any other screws that hold the lock in place so that you can determine what is wrong with the mechanism. It is a good practice to label each screw after you have removed them. This will allow you to put them back where they belong when you put back the lock together. Taking the time to do this will save you time and frustration when you try to put everything back together later on. You will also need to know the size of your lock cylinder is in order to locate the correct replacement. To do this, you must remove the old cylinder from the lock and take a measurement. Once you have your measurements you can use the internet to search to find the correct replacement cylinder. Take the Cylinder off If you're changing the lock on a upvc glazed door by yourself be aware that the barrel holds the tumblers. The key needs to be aligned with the barrel to open the door. You will need to be able to pull the handle from the edging, and then access the side of the lock faceplate to remove it. If you have full access, it may be possible to use a small piece of metal such as paper clips to open the handle in the interior, however if there is an opening in the trim and handle, you may need to go for a stronger method, such as drilling out the old pins. Once you have access to the lock cylinder, you must locate the screw that holds it in place. This is usually a larger headed screw which is inline with the lower portion of the cylinder and should be loose. Once you have removed this screw, the cylinder should fall out easily. The handles will be removed. It is best to measure the cylinder when it is still in its place. With a tape measure or ruler, you should be able determine the length starting from the center of the screw hole (or if you have pencil marks on the sides of the cylinder between the pencil marks) and then the length from one end to the other - this will give you your measurement. You'll need to purchase a new cylinder once you have the cylinder dimensions. This is typically a simple task but be careful when ordering as many cheap cylinders are not sold correctly and can make the lock vulnerable to gaining access through a technique called "lock snapping" which is simple for a criminal to do when they have the time and the right tools. Once you receive the new cylinder, it should fit perfectly and without issues, but if there's any doubt then an expert locksmith will be able to help. Cylinder Replacement uPVC door mechanisms are generally strong, but they do wear out over time. They also are susceptible to expansion and contraction. A 1mm misalignment can stop the door from locking and unlocking correctly. Often the lock is damaged or broken when it is struck, kicked or slammed on a hard surface, but in some cases, the lock may simply fatigue and become brittle with age. Regardless of how the problem is triggered, it's typically the cylinder of the lock that requires replacement. It is simple to replace the barrel lock on your uPVC doors. The job can be done in just five minutes. You may want to change the lock barrel for various reasons, such as when a tenant has gone away from your property without returning the key, or if the door was slammed hard and the cylinder broke. If you have a spare cylinder you can easily replace it. However, you must make sure that the replacement cylinder you choose to replace is the appropriate size for the door you have. You'll need to measure the distance between the screw hole that is in the middle of one side of a cylinder and the square spindle that is in the middle on the other. Once you have these measurements, you will be able to get the correct sized cylinder from a locksmith replacement provider. When it comes to replacing the cylinder you will require a pair of screw extractors or a set of drill bits specifically designed for this kind of work. These are available at most hardware stores, home improvement shops, hardware stores, as well as online. It is important to open your door before you begin to remove the cylinder. Once the new cylinder is installed, you'll need reinstall it and then trap with long screws that are inserted into the hole for retaining on the lock plate. After that, you are able to screw back the long screw and test the door. Striker Plate Replacement If your uPVC door lock mechanism is squeezing when it is closed, it is an issue with the uPVC door or the strike plate. This can occur due to expansion or contraction of the uPVC, if the strike plate is loosened or it could be that the lock is out of alignment. Lubricate your lock first. This will allow you to remove the obstruction and make it work again. You can use dry lubricants like graphite, or wet-lubricants like WD-40. Make sure you select the right lubricant to use with your uPVC door and lock. You can also try tightening the uPVC strike plate screws, which could help to prevent the cylinder from bouncing around. You will have to be careful not to damage the screw that holds it, however this can be done using a screwdriver of any kind. Replace the strike plate in order to fix the uPVC locking issue. This can be accomplished using a cross-tip screwdriver number 3 or a torque bit. It is essential to clean the strike plate before replacing it and also remove any sharp bits on the mounting surface. After sanding, you should apply a filler like fiberglass compound or aluminum. This will fill the cracks and prevent water from getting into and damaging the cabin. UPVC windows and doors have numerous benefits including energy savings and increased security. They can also increase the value of your home should you decide to sell it in the future. However they can be expensive, so it is important to study the market prior to investing. UPVC is a durable material that can withstand tough weather conditions. It's also nonporous and won't rust. This makes it a great choice for areas with high rainfall. UPVC doors are not suitable for everyone since they come with only a few options for customization.