Replacing Lock in a UPVC Door
Replacing lock in upvc door can be daunting, but with the right preparation and the right knowledge, it can be accomplished quickly and easily. This article will help to clarify the procedure.
The first step is to remove the screw that is securing your barrel lock. The screw is a different color than the rest of the screws, and can be found at the edges of the door's front.
Preparation
If you are experiencing issues with your lock or want to upgrade to a safer lock, replacing the lock in your door made of upvc is a great idea. It is first necessary to prepare your door to be ready for the job. The door should be opened wide and then prop it up with blocks on either side. This will prevent it from closing as you work. This will stop the door from breaking the frame or the door when you attempt to remove or change the lock.
The next step is to examine the door for any indications of wear and wear and tear. It is recommended to contact a professional locksmith when you notice any problems like a damaged hinge or a broken handle. A professional locksmith will have the necessary tools and know-how to fix these issues without doing any additional damage.
Unlubricated locks are a common reason for a floppy door handle. This can be solved by lubricating the hinges, but it's also possible that the problem could be due to a problem with the internal mechanism of the lock itself.
It is important to know that you can change the cylinder lock made of upvc as well as the barrel lock separately. To do this, you'll require a screwdriver that is standard and the correct key. Once you have the tools, it is a good idea to remove any screws that are holding the lock in place so that you can identify what's wrong with the mechanism.
After you've removed all the screws, it is a good idea to label each screw so that you can place them back in their original locations when you are reassembling the lock later. Doing this will save you time and frustration when you try to put the lock back together later.
You will also need to know the size of the lock cylinder you have to determine the appropriate replacement. To do this, remove the old lock cylinder and measure. Once you have the measurements, you can look on the internet to find the correct replacement cylinder.
Take the Cylinder off
If you want to change the lock on a upvc door yourself you'll need to be aware that the barrel holds the tumblers and the part that the key must align with to open the door. You'll need to be able to remove the handle and get access to the side lock faceplate. You can use a paperclip to release the handle in the interior if you have full access. If you don't have full access you'll need to employ an even more robust method such as drilling out the old pins.
After you've gained access to the lock cylinder, you'll need to find the screw that is holding it. It's typically a larger-headed screw that is aligned with the lower end and ought to be free. Once you remove this screw, the cylinder will fall out easily. The handles will be removed.
It is now time to measure the cylinder in order to ensure you get the right size replacement, this is best done when the old cylinder is still in place. You can utilize a ruler or tape measure to determine the distance between the screw hole and the middle of the cylinder (or between the pencil marks on the sides of the cylinder). Then, you can measure the diameter of the cylinder from one end to another.
When you have the cylinder's measurements, you will need to order the new cylinder. It is usually a simple procedure, but you must be cautious to select the right cylinder. A lot of cheap cylinders may be sold incorrectly. This could leave your lock vulnerable to being hacked using a technique known as "lock snapping" which is simple to do for criminals with the right tools and time. If you have any doubts, a professional locksmith can help.
Cylinder Replacement
uPVC door mechanisms are generally durable, but they can wear out over time. They are also prone to contraction and expansion and even a single millimeter out of alignment can be enough to prevent the door from locking or unlocking properly. Most often, the lock is damaged or broken after being hit, kicked or slammed on a hard surface, but in some cases, the lock may simply fatigue and become brittle as they age. Regardless of how the problem is triggered, it's typically the cylinder of the lock that requires replacement.
Changing the lock barrel on your uPVC door is an easy task and can be done in around five minutes. There are many reasons why you might want to do this, for instance tenants may have gone away without returning the key, or the door could have been slammed on hard and the cylinder was damaged.
You can easily replace your own cylindrical cylinder if you have an extra, but you will need to make sure that the new one is the correct dimension for the door. To do this you will be required to measure from the middle screw hole on one side of the cylinder to the centre of the square spindle on the opposite. Once you have these measurements, you can order the right cylinder size from a lock supplier.
You'll need a set or screw extractors to replace the cylinder. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are available at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, hardware stores, as well as online. It is essential to open your door before you begin to remove the cylinder.
Once the new cylinder is in place, you'll need to install it again and then secure it with a long screws that are inserted into the hole for retaining on the plate for locking. After this is done, you can screw the long screw back and then test the door to ensure it locks correctly.
Replacement of the Striker Plate
If the uPVC lock mechanism on your door sticks when it is closed, the problem is likely to be with the uPVC itself or the strikeplate. This could be because of contraction or expansion of the uPVC and strike plate is loosened or it could be that the lock is out of alignment.
Lubricate your lock first. This will allow you to clear the blockage, and get it working again. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite or wet-lubricants like WD-40. Ensure that you choose a lubricant that is safe for 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. You will have to be careful to not cause damage to the screw that holds it, however it is usually done using a screwdriver of any kind.
Another solution to the uPVC lock issue is to replace the strike plate. This can be done with the cross-tip screwdriver number 3 or a torque tool. Before replacing the strike plate, you must clean it and sand any sharp edges off the surface of the mounting. After sanding the surface apply a filler, such as fiberglass or aluminum compound. This will fill in the cracks, and stop water from getting inside the cab and damaging it.
UPVC doors and windows provide many benefits that include energy savings and improved security. They can also add value to your home if you choose to sell the property in the future. They can be expensive so it is important to be aware of the costs before making a decision to invest.
UPVC is a durable material that can withstand tough weather conditions. It is also nonporous and will not rust, making it an excellent choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall. However it is important to remember that UPVC doors have limited customization options and might not be suitable for all homeowners.