Door lock not working - can i sort it?

gazza975526570

Hi

The front door lock in my UPVC doesnt appear to be locking ok any more.
Sometimes i cannot get the key out and have to fiddle around for ages to open/close or get the key out.

Ive tried some oil in the lock but doesnt appear to have made any difference so i imagine it needs a new lock.

Can i get a new lock for these kind of doors, if so is it something i should be able to do myself or will i need to get someone in to do it? Any idea of costs would be appreciated too.

trops

It might be the key, rather than the lock. Some keys are made of soft material and wear, thus the lock doesn't operate properly. Try a spare key first

gazza975526570

yeah done that -all three playing up unfortunately

Alfrescodave

Are you certain that you've managed to get sufficient oil into the lock - I had similar problem and it took several applications of WD40 for it to work . Spray the key and then push it into the lock slowly -only part way to start.

gazza975526570

Yeah im pretty sure the problem relates to the actual lock - something to do with it not working from the inside and then outside at times.

Example - at the oment i can get it to open and close every time from the outside but from the inside i can get the key in, get it to lock but then not get the key out when it locks. It seems to vary what the problem is.

Gorgeous_George

Is it a cylinder type lock like this?

If so:

1. Remove the plate where the catch and locking bolt are on the side of the door (usually 2 screws and prise it with a flat screwdriver if necessary).

2. Remove the screw that was hidden by the plate.

3. Put the key in and turn slightly and slide the cylinder out.

4. New ones cost less than £10 and come with three new keys. Lengths vary and fitting is the reversal of removal. Stocked in most diy shops.



GG

gazza975526570

thanks - yes it is one of those and seems easy enough.

I will have a look for one tommorow and give it a go.

Gorgeous_George

It's important to take the measurements (as shown on the site that I linked to) otherwise you'll make two trips. Our local DIY store stocks them but not sure about B&Q etc.

You may have to order one to get the right size unless you go to a locksmiths but they may charge more. The site that I linked to also has a 'how to' demo.



GG

[Deleted User]

Hi,

why not, when you have the cylinder out anyway, give it a good cleaning with WD40 and a good ' thumping ', might just dislodge something and give you a wee bit longer.

Gorgeous_George

frugalmacdugal wrote:

Hi,

why not, when you have the cylinder out anyway, give it a good cleaning with WD40 and a good ' thumping ', might just dislodge something and give you a wee bit longer.

I guess that's moneysaving but for about £7, I'd fit new. Especially if the lock has been used by previous owners of the property.



GG

Aubs

When we moved into our new house, there were three doors with "Euro locks" as they are actually known in the trade (apparently!!). One we didn't have a key for. I bought three for £20 from someone in the yellow pages (or was it the local free magazine that gets delivered - either way it was advertised something like double-glazing repairs).

It's not entirely important that the locks are EXACTLY the same size, it just depends if you mind them sticking out slightly more or less. If you've seen lots of DG-doors you'll know what I mean, some aren't entirely flush. This isn't a problem anyway - Take them back if need be! - DON'T go to B&Q they are so expensive!!

Oh and for anyone else that's interested, older Euro locks are easier to drill through with a smaller drill bit than a bigger one, although it will take a while! (so I not advising criminals of the best way to do it - You will be heard, as it is extremely loud!!)

Sorry for rambling!! - That's my £50's worth!

Aubs