UPVC Door Lock - Help!

by **matimage** » 23 Feb 2006 9:46

Hi All,
I am hoping I can get some help here.
I have a uPVC door that does not have a handle on the outside, when you turn the key clockwise that opens the latch. Last night I got home, turned key clockwise as normal which took the 'double lock' off it but then wouldn't retract the latch.
I ended up getting a metal pole, bent it, stuck it in the letter box and managed to push the inside handle down. I tried spraying WD40 in it etc, but that didn't help. The knob inside doesn't retract the latch either now.
My question is do you think this is a fairly easy job to fix? I am quite handy but I don't want to make things worse.
I am really sorry I cannot provide any details of makes or anything, I only just moved in the house last week and could do without another expense!
Many thanks in advance,
M

by **Shrub** » 23 Feb 2006 9:55

It does sound like the locks broken which if you can get the parts (unlikely) you should be able to repair.

You can change the full system as well.

You will have to take out the system and remove the cover then see if the gearing in side has broken or not.

by **Sbecspeledrx** » 23 Feb 2006 10:18

Sounds like some part has snapped due to wear - and if you don't want to replace the entire strip it can be a total cow to get parts. It's probably only a 50p part that's snapped.

You could take the latch out of the strip and always double lock it - which you should really be doing anyway. Means the door won't stay shut unless you lift the handle, but it will cost you nothing.

by **matimage** » 23 Feb 2006 10:18

Thanks Shrub,
So I guess this begs the question, if a make a pigs ear of it or just cannot fix it, would you have a rough ball park figure for how much this might cost if I called someone from the Master Locksmith Association out to come and fix it?

by **Sbecspeledrx** » 23 Feb 2006 10:32

Matimage. I'd guess you'll probably be charged between Â£70 and Â£100 for a new strip. And the labour on top of that, though a straight swap is something you could do yourself without much trouble.

PM me if you need any help, or want me to ID the strip for you.

by **matimage** » 23 Feb 2006 10:41

Thanks all,
I shall have a crack at it on Saturday and will get in touch if I need help. just for the record, I live in Waterlooville, just north of Portsmouth.
Thanks,
M

by **Shrub** » 23 Feb 2006 12:48

Im nowhere near you unfortunatley and i dont actually do strips so hence why i was slightly off the mark but it wouldnt supprise me if certain people charge Â£100 labour for doing it.

Myself it would be Â£40 on top of the cost of the strip and maybe even less as youve taken the time to come and ask here and are likely to stick around, but thats just me.

by **EvoRed** » 23 Feb 2006 17:43

It's certainly not a con in my mind to charge a couple of hours labour for a faulty strip.

You think you've got to go to the job and diagnose the problem, then make a temporary repair, locate the strip you're after (which can take quite a while alone), and when you get it go back and fit it.

The strip could have gone while the door was locked too, which can be timely fun.

by **Shrub** » 23 Feb 2006 17:48

Fair enough, as i say at the moment i dont do them as i cant go into anywhere and get one off the shelf and stocking them all is too costly for a false economy.

by **toomush2drink** » 24 Feb 2006 5:31

Multi-point strips can vary in price and 2 hours labour is the norm in my eyes. Mla members can vary massively in price. If you want to try and tackle it yourself try googling d&g supplyline, not the cheapest but will post it and also carrry most strips. You need to measure the backset and the distance between the handle and euro also note how many rollers, hooks etc.Theres more to it that just slotting the new one in sometimes as the keeps may need adjusting, this is where experience kicks in.

by **matimage** » 24 Feb 2006 7:11

Okay, many thanks all.
Starting to feel a bit worried tackling this myself now though... :shock:

Is there anyone based in my area at all who might want to give me a quote based on a new strip and couple of hours labour, sorry I have no frame of reference in regards to how much an hourly rate is.
Thanks,
Mat

by **haribo** » 24 Feb 2006 17:15

Its not a job you should shy away from if you are of a practical nature. Try http://www.multipointlocks.co.uk/ their website details what you need to look for when ordering a replacement. They are quite simple to remove by removing the handles then the cylinder by the screw on the strip that lines up with the cylinder. You will need the key in the lock to remove it. Then remove strip and it will come out in one peice. You need to take the measurement listed on site. Try and id the make if stamped on side eg GU, Winkhaus, Mila.

by **toomush2drink** » 25 Feb 2006 6:13

When removing it if you remove and screws that are very small ie about 5 mm replace them as the normally hold the sliding sections together. The fixing screws are normally about 30-45mm.Remember if you fit a new strip you nee to work out why it failed in the first place, it could just be wear and tear or the door may have dropped/ moved out of alignment. This means you may need to adjust the doors hinges or toe and heel it or you may need to adjust the keeps. The last thing you want is to fit a new strip and have the same fault happen again because the original cause wasnt fixed in the first place.
If you are of a practical mind you can work it out so look at you door and see if it had adjustable hinges etc, look at the keeps too looking for adjustments etc.

by **acl** » 25 Feb 2006 16:06

Solent Locksmiths, 01489886656

by **matimage** » 5 Mar 2006 9:38

Well, I tried purchasing a new handle that would turn the latch bar from the outside but no luck, couldn't get one to fit. I am going to have one more go at it today then call in the pros if I fail.

Thanks all.
M

UPVC Door Lock - Help!

UPVC Door Lock - Help!

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