Changing UPVC Front Door Handle/Lock

capeverde

pinkteapot wrote: »

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.

not relatively new, we used systems with split spindles in the 1980s when used with pad handles. In theory, you should be able to install on on your existing door. Depending on what locking system you have, you may also be able to upgrade your security at the same time, as this has improved over the last several years. On the side of your door is a recess where the locking mechanism fits. (you will see a brass or silver strip running the length of your door leaf) this is the same on all doors. The only problem you may have is on the frame side where the locking keeps may need to go in a different place. The problem here is that because most doors are reinforced with galvanised steel, it is difficult to cut this in situation to accept for any locking shoot bolts or claws. As I said, get a local man round and he will tell you a definitive.

pinkteapot

I bottled out of changing internal door handles so I think I will leave the front door handle/lock to an expert.

Thanks - it's a big help to have more of an idea of what I'm talking about when I speak to people.

silvermaid

Yes, thanks indeed.
I shall be looking for a window doctor or someone local to change my door to a split spindle.
Thanks again

loracan1

Mine's the same way, took a bit of getting used to when I first moved in but is a godsend in that I can't lock myself out (guaranteed that I would otherwise). I got into the habit of automatically locking up when I leave the house and leave a second key in the lock (turned) at night

ormus

some locks have a tiny/small lever on the edge.
it changes the operating system of the lock.

nl321

I'm a locksmith in Kent and I frequently work on this type of system.

There is nothing wrong with your lock, it is set up as a lever/lever system - where both handles can open the door without the key. This is usual on backdoors and is found on some front doors (it's fairly common on front doors in the North of England, for some reason). The advantage is that you don't get locked out when the door slams shut on you. The downside is security.

The other system, which is more common on front doors, is a lever/pad system. This is where the outer handle is simply used to engage the lock - it won't operate the latch, so you can't get in without the key even if you haven't locked the door with the key.

You will really need someone to have a look at the lock mechanism inside the door, but it is very likely that all you need is a new set of handles (£25-£30). On some lock mechanisms (and by this I mean the actual gearbox, which is between the two handles) you can get the two handles to operate separately and you may not even need to replace the handles - however you would need to cut the spindle connecting the handles in half. Very straightforward job for a locksmith and shouldn't cost too much.