Blog>Expert Advice>What to do if your uPVC door lock mechanism is broken
Last updated: 17 February 2022
What to do if your uPVC door lock mechanism is broken
Learn the best way to fix a upvc door lock mechanism to make sure your home and its contents are safe and secure.
If your uPVC door lock mechanism is broken, you're understandably going to want to know how to fix the problem, and fast.
If the lock mechanism has failed, it's not only inconvenient but the security of your home and its contents are compromised.
What to do if your uPVC door lock mechanism is broken
If your uPVC door mechanism is broken, a locksmith can make an emergency call out. They will either do a temporary repair while they await a replacement, or fix the problem there and then.
You can find a local locksmith quickly and easily using our search function, below.
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What causes a uPVC door lock mechanism to break?
Your uPVC door lock mechanism could be broken due to many different factors:
Weather. Sometimes changes in the weather can cause changes to the door itself - shrinking, contracting, and expanding. This can make locking and unlocking your uPVC door difficult.
Improper use. Naturally, using excessive force with a uPVC door risks breaking the door. In this case, it's likely the door lock mechanism will need to be replaced.
Wear and tear. A lock will deteriorate over time due to normal wear and tear. If your uPVC door is more than 20 years old, it might be time for a replacement.
How to fix a uPVC door lock mechanism that's broken
To know how to fix a uPVC door lock mechanism, you'll first need to diagnose the problem.
The two main things to check for are:
A faulty handle
A broken gearbox
We'll help you to troubleshoot both.
How to fix a uPVC door lock due to a faulty handle
Try the door handle as you normally would. If it feels unusually loose or floppy, this could be an easy fix.
Locate the barrel part of the door lock. This is the part where your key is inserted.
To tighten the handle, find the screws that hold the barrel of the lock in place and tighten them with a screwdriver.
This action will tighten up the door handle, fixing the problem with the door lock.
Fixing a uPVC door lock due to a broken gearbox
If you turn the key in the lock and hear a clicking sound, the barrel is working fine. You know the issue is with the gearbox.
Fixing a broken gearbox on a uPVC door lock is a very complex job. If you get it wrong, you risk damaging the door itself, which could lead to more difficult and costly repairs.
We recommend calling in a professional locksmith to fix a uPVC door lock with a broken gearbox.
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How to replace a broken uPVC door lock mechanism
If you're confident to replace the broken uPVC door lock yourself, here's how:
Remove the old door lock mechanism using a screwdriver.
Identify the manufacturer by looking at the lock or door itself. Not all uPVC door lock mechanisms are the same. Take the lock mechanism to your local hardware store - replacing like-for-like will make the job much more straightforward.
Carefully remove the door handles.
Place the new lock mechanism inside the door (use a rubber mallet if you need help getting it in place).
Tighten the screws of the door lock and the door handles with a screwdriver.
How to fix a door lock that won't turn
If your key won't turn in the lock, it could be something as simple as a build-up of dirt or dust causing part of the mechanism to get stuck.
To fix a door lock that won't turn, spray a silicone-based lubricant into the keyway. Then insert and remove the key a few times to get the lubricant working.
It's not advised to use WD-40 on door locks, as the oil residue can cause problems with the lock in the future.
How much does it cost to repair a uPVC door lock?
A professional locksmith will know how to repair a uPVC door lock efficiently, quickly putting your mind at ease.
A locksmith will typically charge around £75 per hour. For an out-of-hours call out you could pay in the region of £100 per hour.
If the lock needs to be replaced, you're looking at around £125 for a standard uPVC lock or £150 for an anti-snap uPVC lock.
Read our articles on the cost of uPVC door lock replacement and locksmith prices for more information.
Key takeaways
Problems with uPVC door lock mechanisms can be caused by a number of factors. The lock could be broken due to the weather, improper use, or general wear and tear.
It might be possible to troubleshoot the problem yourself. It could be that the door handle is faulty or the gearbox is broken.
On average, a professional locksmith will charge around £75 per hour for a call out (more if out-of-hours).
Factor in the cost of the replacement parts too. A standard uPVC door lock costs in the region of £125. An anti-snap uPVC lock is around £150.
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