Unjamming uPVC door locks
uPVC doors and double glazed multi-point locks are prone to jamming when maintenance has been neglected or weather prevents the door mechanism from working smoothly.
Depending on the type of uPVC door lock installed on the door, there are several methods to unclog.
Our locksmith discovered that cheaper doors are often equipped with roller locks.
These locks have rollers that slide up and down when the door handle is lifted.
These doors can be unstuck using a wide, flat steel bar or door spreader.
The rollers will easily come out of the locks and unlock the door when a separating force is exerted.
This is also considered a security flaw in older uPVC doors as it is a very easy method of opening the door.
Our locksmith discovered that on most modern and expensive doors, hook and deadbolt style multi-point locks are installed.
These require a bit more skill to unclog.
First, separate the door gap carefully and hold it open with softwood wedges to prevent damage to the frame.
Once the location of the hooks or latches is identified, they can be manually retracted by forcing them inward with a strong screwdriver or bent instrument.
Make sure the key has been turned to the unlock position before forcing the hooks into place, as turning the key is the secondary locking function and will not allow the bolts to retract.
Once the door is open, you can identify the cause of the problem.
it is usually due to a failed gearbox in the multipoint lock.
These contain complex castings that are prone to breaking and shearing when the door is particularly stiff on closing.
Replacement of gearboxes is possible in 90% of multipoint locks; however, some welded and riveted versions, such as Millenco, will require a full closure strip.
Gearbox prices can range from £10 to £50. More expensive lock strips can range from £30 to £150 depending on the make and model of lock.
Millenco locks feature two separate spindle gears. If your door only uses one hole, it is possible to carefully disassemble the gearbox and balance the cut gear for the redundant gear and then reassemble for easy repair.
This can save you £75 for a new strip, so it’s worth a try.
It’s a secret tip that many locksmiths would rather the customer didn’t know!
Once the lock is repaired and put back on the door, the door may still have become stiff upon closing. This is probably the reason your door failed in the first place and needs to be resolved before continuing regular uPVC door use.
An adjustment to the top door hinge, turning the screw a few turns to pull the top corner of the door up and in, will usually solve the problem.
Some more misaligned doors will require adjustments to the frame to ensure the lock engages smoothly without forcing.
You should never force the handle up when closing the door, if it does not work smoothly you will be applying unnecessary force and ultimately breaking the lock again.
I hope this quick guide is helpful and saves you some money, however, if you feel like something here is out of your hands or you don’t have the tools to do it, call a local locksmith for help.
Never call a national locksmith chain or call center as they charge a premium for their time!
happy diy
Locksmiths PSS Sheffield