Changing UPVC Front Door Handle/Lock

pinkteapot

Our UPVC front door is unusual. It has a multi-point lock. You shut the door and then lift the handle to secure it. However, this doesn't lock it. You can still just walk in from outside using the handle, unless the door has been locked with a key from the inside.

It's a PITA to constantly use a key to get out of the house, so as a result the front door is often unlocked. We only make sure it's locked overnight, if we're both out in the garden, or if hubby's out and I'm in the bath. After yet another sermon from the parents about the risk of a burglar nipping in while we're home, we want to change it.

We want a more typical setup whereby you close the door, lift the handle and then the door is locked from the outside. But where you can just use the handle to get out from the inside (without using a key). Figure this will also be safer in case of an overnight fire (at the moment we'd have to find the key to get out).

So, can we just get a locksmith round, or does the whole handle need replacing in which case I guess it's a call to a door/window company? I don't think this is a job I want to DIY, but who is going to be the most cost effective professional?

withabix

pinkteapot wrote: »

Our UPVC front door is unusual. It has a multi-point lock. You shut the door and then lift the handle to secure it. However, this doesn't lock it. You can still just walk in from outside using the handle, unless the door has been locked with a key from the inside.

That is how those handles/locks work - yours isn't unusual! Lifting the handle only moves the locking pins into the position that allows you to lock the door. It does not lock the door.

As for getting a locksmith round - he won't be able to make the lock do what you want it to do - they simply don't work that way.

You could get a replacement Euro cylinder with a knob on the inside instead of a key (still has a keyhole on the outside), but that of course introduces a security risk.

pinkteapot

At both of our parents' houses they have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock. Closing the door and lifting the handle locks it and no-one can walk in from the outside. You need a key to get in from the outside but you can open the door from the inside without a key.

I've never known a house with a door that works like ours. As I said, it's a pain to have to lock the door from the inside with a key every time you want to stop people being able to just walk in from outside. Is this really normal?

silvermaid

I too would be interested in the answer to this.
My door works in the same way - needing a key to lock it both inside and out.
My sister's door works as you describe your parents.
Hope there's an answer out there somewhere

Tigsteroonie

Our front door is just like yours, Pinkteapot & silvermaid, so I'd say it's pretty normal.

capeverde

What you need is a locking system with a 'split spindle' they are relatively common nowadays. You can either have the facility to have a normal lever handle on the outside or a pad handle. Basically when you close the door, whether you lift the handle or not, you will require a key to access from the outside. From the inside you can just use the handle as normal. To deadlock it though, you still use the key. Depending on what locking system you have, you may get away with swapping them over without too much problem, but if its an old door you may have to change the door. If swapping you will have to get the correct backset for the locking cylinder. If you know nothing about these doors, you will probably be best looking through your local paper for 'window doctor' or similar. I would expect to pay around £150 to get a system installed like this on an existing door, if it is possible.

HappyMJ

That is really easy to install yourself. It's a special handle that's locks out the outside door handle when the inside one is lifted. Simply unscrew the two screws holding the old handle in place. Remove both the inside and outside handle and install the new ones as supplied. 5 minute job. £72.20 including delivery http://www.upvcdoorhandle.co.uk/html/front_door_handles_lift_and_lo.html

nomoreheroes

Sounds like it has the wrong locking mechanism for the side its hung. Or it has been hung back to front ( does it open outward).
Best to get advice from a professional.

pinkteapot

The door opens inwards - I'm not going mad am I? - inwards is normal.

I assume it's a doors/windows company we want to talk to and not just a locksmith? I've used locksmiths to change barrels before but I wouldn't have thought they'd do the full handle/locking mechanism (?). I don't like talking to double glazing companies, it tends to cost money.

pinkteapot

capeverde wrote: »

What you need is a locking system with a 'split spindle' they are relatively common nowadays. You can either have the facility to have a normal lever handle on the outside or a pad handle. Basically when you close the door, whether you lift the handle or not, you will require a key to access from the outside. From the inside you can just use the handle as normal. To deadlock it though, you still use the key. Depending on what locking system you have, you may get away with swapping them over without too much problem, but if its an old door you may have to change the door. If swapping you will have to get the correct backset for the locking cylinder. If you know nothing about these doors, you will probably be best looking through your local paper for 'window doctor' or similar. I would expect to pay around £150 to get a system installed like this on an existing door, if it is possible.

Thanks! That sounds exactly like how my mum's works.

So, are the split spindle locks relatively new? Our doors and windows look like they've been for several years, while both our parents have replaced their front doors in the last 3 years or so. Maybe the split spindle thing has become the norm...

Thanks for the tip about who to look for as well. Mum mentioned that she used an independent door repair person when she just need the glass in a double-glazed window replaced and he was reasonable.

If we can't retro fit and it would be a case of changing the whole door then we won't bother and will just be more diligent about locking the door.

capeverde

HappyMJ wrote: »

That is really easy to install yourself. It's a special handle that's locks out the outside door handle when the inside one is lifted. Simply unscrew the two screws holding the old handle in place. Remove both the inside and outside handle and install the new ones as supplied. 5 minute job. £72.20 including delivery http://www.upvcdoorhandle.co.uk/html/front_door_handles_lift_and_lo.html

Hmm what they've not told you on there is that many handles and plates are different sizes. The measurement between the spindle and the barrel is different with most manufacturers as is the placement of the securing screws that usually pass through the locking assembly in side the door. These secure the two plates. They claim their handles can fit any existing upvc door, but from someone who has spent 20 years in the industry, I dont see how they can unless they come in many different sizes, which they dont appear to.