Replacing UPVC door locks and window locks

Doors with their constant use and locking / being unlocked, can over time lead to your lock needing to be replaced. If you've been unfortunate enough to be burgled or had keys stolen, then you may also want to be able to change your locks.

Perhaps the keys aren't working as well as they used to or the lock starts to 'play-up' and doesn't lock etc. These are signs that your lock should be replaced sooner, rather than later when it might have already failed, locking you out or making it impossible to open the door. An essential part of the plan to remove and refit a lock yourself, without having to call a Locksmith.

Upvc doors usually have just the one lock which operates the various locking latches and bolts. This single barrel lock is usually a style referred to as a euro-cylinder.

It's very straightforward to replace - you'll just need a few minutes, an appropriate screwdriver (for the one retaining screw) and the new lock to replace it with. With the door ajar, looking at the narrow face with the catch in it, look for a screw head in the door which lines up with the lock barrel.

Put your key in the lock and then undo the screw you located.

Now turn the key slightly to line up the lever inside with the shape of the key-barrel slot.

You'll feel it move quite easily as you then pull the whole barrel out.

Measure the barrel length to ensure you get the right replacement, If there isn't one in your size, then I'd go for larger rather than smaller. A smaller length barrel may recess into the door / lock surround and present an opportunity for the weather to collect in the barrel hole itself.

Fitting the new barrel is a reverse of the above. Don't forget to put your key in the lock first so you can turn the locking lever to be inline with the rest of he barrel when you fit it into the hole in the door.

Fitting a new window lock usually involves replacing the handle as well. To get a replacement, you'll need to identify which type of handle you have and the length of the shaft that fits into the window. They are usually one of 3 types - the most popular being the Espag handle. It usually has a concealment plate above the handle. It's spindle can vary in length so check carefully before you re-order.

The next most popular is the Cockspur handle which features a small arm or lug which locates under or over a lock on the opposite bit of frame when shut. Caution as there'll be left and right hand versions!

Finally, Tilt n turn handles are different again, usually being designed to travel through 180 degrees.

Replacing the handle (incorporating the lock) is a matter of finding the screws which attach the handle to the frame, usually concealed behind a 'vanity' plate - a small section which should just prise out.

If it's a matter of a missing key, then there are several online resources who will work from a photo of your lock to identify the correct key replacement and send it to you.

If the lock failure is on a more recent window installation, then try contacting your window company first as the fault may be covered under their warranty or if not, they may still be able to source the replacement handle / key for you.

If you don't have any luck tracking down replacement locks or handles, then you may want to consider getting the professionals in. You can always enquire online about the costs of replacing individual windows by using WindowQuoter.

*This story first appeared in our July 5th Homeowner Newsletter.

photo credit: Home Improvement Quotes