replacing upvc lock

[faldekan]

Hi,

I have recently moved into a property with double upvc patio doors into the garden. Upon my arrival one of the pair was locked, the other was unlocked, and no key. Can anyone tell me how to replace the upvc locks? I can see a whole string of screws in the metal lining of the unlocked door but cannot see a way to remove the lock housing from the door frame to replace it. Any ideas? Obviously I will need to get a locksmith/burglar to pick the locked door...

Regards,

Tom.

 

[Softus]

Can anyone tell me how to replace the upvc locks? I can see a whole string of screws in the metal lining of the unlocked door but cannot see a way to remove the lock housing from the door frame to replace it.

One screw holds the lock in place - this screw will look different to all the others in the frame.

Obviously I will need to get a locksmith/burglar to pick the locked door...

Or you could medieval on its ass, and drill it out. Hint: drill a very small central pilot hole first, and be accurate with it.

 

[kevplumb]

One screw holds the lock in place - this screw will look different to all the others in the frame.

but you need the door open to get to it

 

[Softus]

but you need the door open to get to it

Why do you think that he can't open the door Kev?

 

[kevplumb]

must read the post properly

assuming there isn't a centre post

 

[Softus]

assuming there isn't a centre post

Nice try, but these are "double upvc patio doors".

 

[HandyHands]

It's not actually clear if these are french doors or sliding patio - maybe the original poster could clarify. If French, then there will be a centre post likely to be hiding the retaining screw for the locked door.

I also think its irresponsible to advise someone to drill a door lock, without actually stating where to drill it "Hint: drill a very small central pilot hole first, and be accurate with it." - this is a very vague statement, and likely to lead the original poster to knacker his multipoint up if he doesn't drill it properly. There are a number of ways to drill/remove a cylinder, and even more ways to completely bugger one.

My advice would be to get someone out who specialises in UPVC, and they will get the job done in a fraction of the time without the likelyhood of further damage being done.

 

[Softus]

It's not actually clear if these are french doors or sliding patio - maybe the original poster could clarify. If French, then there will be a centre post likely to be hiding the retaining screw for the locked door.

You're quite right. Kev - I retract.

I also think its irresponsible to advise someone to drill a door lock, without actually stating where to drill it "Hint: drill a very small central pilot hole first, and be accurate with it." - this is a very vague statement

I see. Well, firstly, I didn't advise him to drill it - I deliberately used the word "medieval" to describe the mess that might follow, and to act as discouragement.

Secondly, the only vague words in that sentence were "very small". I said "central", and I said "be accurate".

...and likely to lead the original poster to knacker his multipoint up if he doesn't drill it properly. There are a number of ways to drill/remove a cylinder, and even more ways to completely b*****r one.

Fine - you've now told him. That's the beauty of having an open forum - we can all contribute. Although your advice is for him to do something that he was going to do anyway, without giving one word of help towards the problem with the unlocked door, or confirming that my advice was correct.

My advice would be to get someone out who specialises in UPVC, and they will get the job done in a fraction of the time without the likelyhood of further damage being done.

"Fraction"? "Would be"? When would it be? Aren't those words rather vague? "Further"? What damage has been done already?

 

[HandyHands]

Appreciate the reply Softus - no offence meant.

I don't advise people to drill cylinders when they haven't done it before. I've lost count of the number of visits I've made to houses with butchered locks - because the owner thought they would save a few quid and get Mr Bosch onto it. The result is usually a new lock and Multipoint - and a far larger bill.

Bottom line - the guy needs to get a pro out to open the locked door, and while he/she's there - replace both the cylinders. This route will ensure NO damage occurs to the door or Multipoint, and that the correct sized cylinders will be fitted - ie not leaving an inch of cylinder protruding on the outside (I've had cylinders that I can hang a coat on!).

 

[faldekan]

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice. They are double french doors, with a central post. I had noticed a different looking screw, and I did wonder, especially with its close proximity to the lock.

I will probably have to get a locksmith out to open the locked door, and if I was being sensible I would get them to replace the locks but a) im doing a 5 bedroom house renovation project on a stupidly tight budget and b) I want to learn as I go!

I could always learn to pick locks

Tom.