What to do when your uPVC door lock is sticking

If your key keeps sticking in the lock of your uPVC door, don’t ignore the issue. Whether your key feels stiff when you’re trying to lock the door, when the key is in the lock of an open door, or during certain weather conditions, contact a locksmith without delay.

A professional locksmith will be about to assess the repair work needed and fix the problem to maintain the security of your home in a flash.

Common causes of sticking door locks

There are several reasons why the lock in your uPVC door may be sticking.

Here are the common causes of stiff locks:

• Dirt/debris – Dirt can build up inside the locking mechanism and the uPVC door frame. Gravel and debris can prevent the door from closing properly and stop the lock from clicking into place
• Extreme temperatures – uPVC door frames can expand and contract in high and low temperatures. The locking mechanism may not work correctly if the door has changed shape due to the weather conditions
• Dropped door frame – A uPVC door can drop in its frame over time. Keys can feel stiff in the lock when the door has moved from its correct position
• Damaged lock mechanism – You will not be able to turn your door key if the locking mechanism is damaged

It is not always easy to work out the cause of your uPVC door’s sticking lock. Hire a professional locksmith to help you get to the bottom of the problem.

How to fix a stiff lock

Once you work out why your door lock is sticking, it’s time to fix the problem. We recommend hiring a uPVC door repair service or a professional locksmith to do this work for you.

Let’s take a closer look at the methods used to repair stiff uPVC door locks.

Add lubricant

Sometimes all that is needed is a little lubricant to get your lock turning smoothly again. Adding a lubricating oil to all moving parts of the lock mechanism is a quick fix to this common problem.

Realign the door frame

uPVC doors can drop in their frame over the years. When this happens, the lock will no longer be perfectly aligned and turning the key can become difficult.

A locksmith can realign the door in the frame. Alternatively, a door repair specialist will be able to tighten the hinges and put the door back into its correct position.

Clear away debris

A little bit of dirt can cause big problems for your door’s lock. A build up debris can interfere with the locking mechanism and make turning your key feel difficult.

Dirt in the lock itself and inside the door frame can cause locks to stick.

Make sure to regularly clear all gravel and dirt from your uPVC doorframe. Also, blowing graphite powder into the lock cylinder will remove debris and stop your key from sticking.

Adjust the locking cylinder screw

Your uPVC door’s locking cylinder is held into place by a screw. Visible on the outside of the lock plate, the tightness of this screw impacts the position of the locking mechanism inside your door.

A loose screw can cause the position of your lock’s components to shift. Tightening this screw may be all that is needed to stop your lock from sticking.

Upgrade to a higher-quality door

Old uPVC doors are prone to weather-related issues. It may be time for an upgrade if your old door struggles to maintain its correct shape, especially during extreme temperatures.

There are many modern uPVC doors that have been designed with long-term use in mind. These doors will not expand or contract in extreme weather conditions.

Say goodbye to a repeatedly sticking lock by installing a new uPVC door.

Hire a locksmith to replace the lock

A full door replacement is not always necessary. If your current lock is damaged, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it for you.

Locksmiths can skillfully remove your faulty lock and install a new one in its place. Alternatively, you may just need a new key. If this is the case, a locksmith can cut a new key for your uPVC door.

We recommend hiring a professional to fix your sticking door lock. An expert can easily identify the cause of the problem and offer the best solution. You may end up causing more damage if you attempt to repair a door lock yourself.

Preventing uPVC door locks from sticking

Prevention is always the best course of action! There are several things you can do to stop your door lock from sticking again in the future.

• Regularly remove dirt and debris from all around the door and doorframe
• Add lubricating oil to the lock cylinder and hinges every six months
• Regularly check your door, lock, and key for damage

How much does it cost to fix a sticking door lock?

The cost of your lock repairs will depend on what work needs to be done.

Locksmiths charge an average of £100 to change a standard Euro cylinder lock on a uPVC door. The average locksmith hourly rate is £75. This fee increases to £100 if you need to hire a locksmith out of hours.

Check our locksmith cost guide for details on the most up-to-date prices.

Hiring a uPVC door repairs professional costs an average of £250 - £300. We recommend requesting quotes from multiple tradespeople to find the best price for your job.

You can also read our detailed uPVC door lock replacement cost guide for a closer look at current prices.

Key takeaways

• Sticking uPVC door locks can be caused by a build-up of debris, extreme temperatures, and door damage
• uPVC doors can expand and contract, which can cause locks to feel stiff
• A professional locksmith can fix a sticking door lock
• Old uPVC doors may need to be replaced to stop this problem from happening again
• Locksmiths charge an average hourly rate of £75
• Regularly lubricating the locks can prevent sticking problems in the future

Hiring a professional locksmith

We recommend contacting a locksmith if your key is persistently sticking in your door lock. This issue needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you can’t lock your door, your family and belongings will be at risk.

Hire a professional locksmith to inspect your lock and perform the necessary repair work. Use Checkatrade to find the best locksmiths in your local area. All of our members have been thoroughly checked and meet our high-quality standards.

Finding a reputable locksmith near you is easy when you use Checkatrade. You can request a quote online or enter your postcode into the search box below. We’re here to help you find the best tradesperson for the job.