Replacement keys for UPVC window locks

VoucherMan

Always the tight a!!e I thought I'd ask on here first.

Finally decided to fix / replace the handles on all my UPVC windows. They've all got locks but I've never had a key so not been able to lock them.

Searching ebay for replacement handles I came across a number of sellers with replacement keys ( £ £ £ light up in front of me as this would obviously be cheaper than replacing all the handles)

Unfortunately I've no idea of the make of handle. I came across this site but none of the handles match mine, and the images aren't clear enough to compare barrels.

I've emailed them a photo to see if they can identify it, but wondered if anyone knew of any other sites offering a similar service - either an image gallery to identify the handle, or a free email service.

Just in case there are any resident window experts lurking I've uploaded the picture here

flora48

I sent a pic of a window handle to one of these places who said they could identify any lock and supply any key. guess what? It didn't fit. went to Screw fix and bought replacement window handles, easy to fit, all done in half an hour. Money well spent for us.

VoucherMan

flora48 wrote: »

guess what? It didn't fit

This is what I'm expecting, but the miser in me insists I give it a try.

Some new handles would look much better anyway.

martyn05

Toolstation do them for £3.40 I believe, easy to fit.

gpk2

Hi VoucherMan. I've been selling very high quality and secure PVCU windows for 18 years, and always advise my customers NOT to lock their handles! If you don't have any open fanlights through which a hand (or tool) could access any handles on adjacent windows, then there is no advantage to locking the handle - it only stops people getting out! The window SHOULD be designed to stop anyone getting in (glass fitted internally, and multi-point locking system). The handle really plays no part in this.
BUT if you have a fire, the room is full of dark, choking smoke, and you're in a panic, do you really want to have to unlock a handle - assuming you can even find the key in the confusion?
Builing Regulations now impose restrictions on first-floor windows to ensure adequate room for escape, using special 90-degree hinges. What is the point if you're going to then lock your emergency exit?
Just a personal opinion, but seems to make sense to me!

VoucherMan

gpk2 wrote: »

and always advise my customers NOT to lock their handles!

It's more for insurance.

The question always come up - Do all externally accessible windows have key-operated locks on them?

Well mine have. I just haven't got the key to operate them. Unfortunately insurance companies may well use this as an excuse not to pay out.

So far I've answered NO to that question and it hasn't effected the premium, but it's nice to be prepared.

The upstairs windows are usually open all summer anyway. I opened one yesterday. I'll close it again in September or October.

martyn05 wrote: »

Toolstation do them for £3.40 I believe, easy to fit.

No Toolstation near me, but I've already found some handles I like. Just trying the cheap option first.

jayship

VoucherMan
U can either take off one lock and take it round to double glazing suppliers in the area and they would willingly give u some FREE keys. I went to several and they supplied them free as i did not have a sample nor the lock with me.
Good luck

jakirk

What is the point if you're going to then lock your emergency exit?

I lock mine when I go away on holiday and take the keys away.

Same with the interior and exterior doors and garage door.

There is not a single door or window left unlocked, or key left in my house when I go on holiday.

I don't take them with me though, I leave them with my sister as she always picks me up from the airport.

sooz

Don't do what my OH does & hide them somewhere safe.
We get home, & he has no idea where they are. Still not found them!

poppysarah

http://www.tradeinpost.com/window.pdf

This is the most useful thing I found.
Shows what the keyhole looks like.