uPVC Lock Repair Problems

uPVC Lock Repair Problems

For locksmiths who are experienced it’s easy to repair uPVC door locks. It’s usually a case of swapping a centre case or fitting a replacement mechanism. However, on occasions, there are sometimes small things which can make the job a little trickier to complete, although you could argue that this challenge actually makes things easier to do as it tests a locksmith and keeps them on their toes!

Keyhole Kate’s are now going to share a few scenarios with you so that you can relate to it if you have had a similar experience. If you have not been through something similar, then at least you will be able to recognise it in the future.

Lockmaster/Paddocks Centre Case Replacements protrude to 95% of the way.

Have you ever been in the position of swapping the centre case on a Mila-master/Lockmaster/Paddocks mechanism and found that when you lift the handle, the top hook and bolt only protrude to 95% of the way? This then makes it an impossible and fruitless task to throw the lock by turning the key.

This has caused me a lot of frustration in the past but eventually, we managed to solve this problem by ordering a complete locking strip which did sort things out for me.

Essentially, the followers on these strips link with the centre case through a 90 degree bend which can be inserted into a slot inside the gearbox. If you continually apply pressure to this, then the 90 degree bend will stretch which can also leave the top hook slightly out of place, causing yet another problem – how to deal with.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. Simply repair the clamp behind the bend and push it back to a 90 degree angle and subsequently refit the centre case.

Fuhr Lockcases Functioning But Not Opening

You’ve installed a new Fuhr mechanism, then checked that it all works fine, but the door is not opening despite being able to unlock the key and operate the handle normally…

This could possibly be explained by the fact that the lock bolt has not been sealed properly and upon throwing the bolt they can occasionally slide out the end, extending the bolt length.

Resist the temptation to throw the door open or employing a spreader, shuffle them back inside the lock bolt. Peen over the ends and/or glue the pins where they need to be to fix the problem completely.

Unjamming Mechanisms Without Working Handles

When the spindle gear is broken or not there in a UPVC door then basically you can lock it with the key but have no way of retracting the bolts and hooks.

If you have access internally then you can remove the handles and retract the bolts by using an L shaped wire in the hole the gear sits in.

When a lock out situation arises, I have learnt that the best approach to remedy this is to retract the hooks so you can locate the position of the bottom most locking point by using a mica card and then spreading the door slightly at that point.

The next step is to use a bent screwdriver/wire, which will manually force the bolts or hooks back inside the lock case.

As all of this is connected, all of the bolts will retract with it, apart from the latch piece which is easily popped with mica or a flat steel prising bar.