Replacing Lock in a UPVC Door
It can be intimidating to change the lock on a Upvc door, but with proper preparation and the right knowledge, it is possible to do it quickly. This article will explain the process.
The first step is to remove the screw that secures the lock on the barrel. It's a different colour to the other screws and is located at the edges of the door.
Preparation
Replace the lock on your doors made of upvc in case you've got a damaged one or are looking to upgrade. However, prior to starting, you must prepare the door to be ready for this task. First you must open the door wide and prop it up using an object of wood on each side to prevent it from closing while you're working on it. This will prevent the door from crashing or damaging the frame while you are trying to remove or replace the lock.
Next, inspect the door to look for indications of wear and wear or damage. It is best to call an expert locksmith if you find any issues, such as a broken hinge or a broken handle. A professional locksmith will have the tools and know-how to resolve the issue without causing any further damage.
A floppy door handle mechanism can be caused by many different factors but the most common reason is a lock that is not lubricated. It is possible to fix this issue by making sure that your hinges are lubricated. However, it may be due to a problem with the internal mechanism of your lock.
It is essential to understand that you can change the upvc lock cylinder and the barrel lock separately. To do this, you will need an ordinary screwdriver and the correct key. It is recommended to remove all other screws holding the lock in position so you can check what is 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 reassemble the lock. Taking the time to do this will save you time and frustration when trying to put everything back together later on.
To determine the right replacement, you'll need to know the size of the lock cylinder. Remove the old lock cylinder to take measurements. Once you have your measurements then you can search the internet for the right replacement cylinder.
Removal of the Cylinder
If you are changing the lock on a upvc-glazed door by yourself be aware that the barrel houses the tumblers. The key must be positioned in line with the barrel to open the door. You must be able to pull the handle from the edging, and then access the side of the faceplate to remove it. You can employ a paperclip for releasing the handle in the interior when you have access to the entire. However, if you don't have full access you'll have to employ an even more robust method such as drilling out the pins that were previously in use.
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 end of the cylinder. It should be loose. Once you have removed this screw, the cylinder will slide out easily. The handles can be removed.
It is recommended to measure the cylinder while it is still in its place. You can make use of 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 determine the diameter of the cylinder from one end to another.
You'll need to order a new cylinder after you have the cylinder dimensions. This is usually a straightforward task but be careful when ordering as many cheap cylinders are not sold correctly and can leave the lock vulnerable to being accessed by using a technique known as "lock snapping" which is easy for criminals to master when they have the time and the proper tools. When you receive your new cylinder, it should fit into place nicely with no difficulties, however if you have any doubt, a professional locksmith can help.
Replacement of the Cylinder
Upvc doors are generally sturdy however, like any lock mechanism, they may wear out over time. They are also susceptible to contraction and expansion, and even a single millimeter out of alignment can be enough to prevent the door from locking or unlocking correctly. The lock can be damaged or broken when it is hit by a kick or slammed onto the surface, but in some cases, the lock may simply wear out and become brittle over time. No matter how the problem was resulted, the cylinder of the lock is typically the one that should be replaced.
Switching the barrel of your lock on your uPVC door is a relatively simple task that can be done in around five minutes. There are a number of reasons why you might want to do this, for example the tenant might have left without returning your key or the door may have been slammed into hard and cracked the cylinder.
You can easily replace your cylinder if you have a spare however, you'll need to make sure that the new one is the right dimension for the door. To do this you will have to measure from the centre screw hole on the one side of the cylinder to the middle of the square spindle on another. Once you have these measurements, you can purchase the correct cylinder size from a lock supplier.
You will need a set or screw extractors to replace the cylinder. double glazing window lock repairs are readily available at hardware stores, home improvement shops, hardware stores, and online. Before you begin to remove the lock cylinder from your door, it's crucial to prop the door up so that you can have full access to the exterior face plate of the lock.
When the new cylinder is ready, you'll need to reinstall it and then trap with long screws that are inserted into the retaining hole on the lock plate. After that, you can screw the long screw back in place and test your door.
Replacement of the Striker Plate
If the uPVC lock mechanism on your door sticks when it is closed, the issue is most likely with the uPVC itself or the strikeplate. This could be due to contraction or expansion of the uPVC or the strike plate is not in good condition or it could be that the lock is out of alignment.
The first thing that you should do is grease the lock. This will allow you to remove the obstruction and allow it to function again. You can make use of dry lubricants such as graphite, or wet lubricants like WD-40. Select a lubricant that is safe for your uPVC lock and door.
You can also try tightening the uPVC strike plate screws, which can help to prevent the cylinder from moving. You will have to be careful not to damage the screw that holds it, but it is usually done using a standard screwdriver.
Replace the strike plate to resolve the uPVC locking problem. This can be done using the cross-tip screwdriver 3 or a torque tool. It is crucial to clean the strike plate before replacing it and also sand down any sharp bits that are on the mounting surface. After sanding, you should apply a filler, such as fiberglass compound or aluminum compound. This will fill in the cracks and prevent water from getting inside the cab and damaging it.
UPVC windows and doors offer many benefits including energy savings and improved security. They also can increase the value of your home should you decide to sell. They can be expensive, so you should do your research before making a decision to invest.
UPVC is a tough material that can withstand tough weather conditions. It is also non-porous and won't rust. This makes it an ideal option for areas that have high rainfall. However, it is important to remember that UPVC doors have limited customization options and might not be appropriate for all homeowners.