Replacing Lock in a UPVC Door
Replacing the lock on a door made of upvc is a daunting task, but with the right preparation and the right knowledge, it can be accomplished quickly and easily. This article will help to explain the process.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the lock on the barrel. The screw is of a different color than the rest of the screws, and it is located on the edges of the front door.
Preparation
If you're experiencing problems with your lock or would like to upgrade to a more secure lock replacing the lock on your upvc door is an excellent idea. However, prior to starting, you will need to prepare the door for this job. First open the door wide and prop it with a block of wood on either side to prevent it from closing while you are working on it. This will prevent the door from crashing or damaging the frame while you are trying to take off or replace the lock.
Then, examine the door to check for signs of wear and wear or damage. It is best to call a professional locksmith when you notice any problems, such as a broken hinge or a damaged handle. A professional locksmith will have the appropriate tools and expertise to fix the issue without causing further damage.
A door handle that is sloppy could be the result of many different factors but the most common reason is a lock that's 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 crucial to know that you can replace the upvc lock cylinder and the barrel lock separately. To accomplish this, a screwdriver of standard size is required as well as the appropriate key. Once you have these tools it is recommended to remove any other screws that are holding the lock in place so you can see what is actually going on with the mechanism.
It is a good practice to label each screw after you have removed them. This allows you to put them back where they belong when you reassemble the lock. This will save you frustration and time when reassembling the lock.
To determine the right replacement, you'll be able to determine the size of your lock cylinder. Take the old lock cylinder off to take measurements. Once you have your measurements then you can search the internet for the correct replacement cylinder.
Take the Cylinder off
If you wish to change the lock on an upvc door, you must be aware that the barrel holds the tumblers and what the key has to align with in order to open the door. You must be able to remove the handle from the edging and then access the side of the lock faceplate to take it off. If you have access to the entire faceplate, it may be possible to use a small piece of metal such as paper clips to open the handle from the inside, however if there is a pinhole in the handle and trim, you might have to opt for a more robust method, such as drilling out the old pins.
After you've gained access to the lock cylinder, you'll need to locate the screw that holds it. It's typically a larger-headed screw that is aligned with the lower end, and should be free. When you remove this screw, the cylinder should fall out easily. The handles can then be removed.
You will now need to measure the cylinder to make sure you get the correct size replacement, this is best done when the old cylinder is in place. You can make use of 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 determine the diameter of the cylinder from one end to the next.
Once you have the cylinder's measurements, you will need to order the new cylinder. click here for more info is usually a straightforward task, but be cautious when ordering as many cheap cylinders are purchased incorrectly and can leave the lock vulnerable to bypassing by using a technique known as "lock snapping" which is easy for criminals to commit with enough time and the appropriate tools. If you have any doubts you are unsure, a professional locksmith will assist.
Replacement of the Cylinder
uPVC doors are generally robust, but like all lock mechanisms, they can be worn out over time. They also have a tendency to expansion and contraction. A misalignment of 1mm can prevent the door from locking and unlocking correctly. Most often, the lock is damaged or broken after being struck by a kick or slammed onto an unforgiving surface, but sometimes materials simply wear out and become brittle as they age. Whatever the reason is triggered, it's normally the lock cylinder that requires replacement.
It is simple to replace the barrels of locks on your uPVC doors. The task can be done in just five minutes. You might want to replace the barrel on your lock for a variety of reasons, such as if a tenant has left your property without returning the key or in the event that the door was struck hard and the cylinder cracked.
You can easily replace your cylinder if you have a spare however, you'll have to ensure that the new one is the right size for the door. 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 can order the correct cylinder size from a lock retailer.
You will need an extractor set or screw to replace the cylinder. These are available at most hardware stores, home improvement shops, hardware stores, and online. Before you start trying to remove the lock cylinder from your door, it is important that you open the door to allow full access to the outside face plate of the lock.
When you have the new cylinder in place it is necessary to insert it again and trap it with an extended screw connected to the screw hole for retaining on the face plate of the lock. After this, you can screw back the long screw and test your door.
Striker Plate Replacement
If your uPVC door lock mechanism is squeezing when closed, it could be an issue with the uPVC door itself or the strike plate. This can occur because of contraction or expansion of the uPVC and strike plate is not in good condition or the lock is out of alignment.
You should lubricate your lock first. This will allow you to clear the blockage, and get it back in operation. You can use dry lubricants such as graphite or wet-lubricants such as WD-40. Select a safe lubricant for your uPVC door and lock.
You can also tighten the uPVC plate screws to stop the cylinder from moving. You will have to be careful to not damage the screw that holds it, but this can be done using a standard screwdriver.
Another solution to the uPVC lock issue is to replace the strike plate. This can be done using a cross-tip number 3 screwdriver or a torque bit set. Before replacing the strike plate you should clean it thoroughly and sand any sharp edges that are on the surface of the mounting. After sanding the surface apply a filler, such as aluminum compound or fiberglass. This will fill in the cracks and will prevent water from entering the cab and damaging it.
UPVC doors and windows provide many advantages that include energy savings and improved security. They can also increase the value of your home should you decide to sell. They can be expensive so it is important to be aware of the costs before investing.
UPVC is a strong material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also nonporous and will not rust, which makes it an excellent option for areas that have heavy rainfall. UPVC doors are not suitable for everyone since they come with limited options for customization.