UPVC Front Door - How to lock from inside?

pimento

My son has just moved into a student house. It's a terraced house and the front door opens right onto the lounge.

The door is a UPVC type that you lock from the outside by moving the handle upwards while turning the key. All well and good. However, we can't find a way to lock it from the inside without using a key that would stop anyone passing being able to just turn the handle and walk in. Of course leaving the key in the lock would stop anyone else with a key getting in.

I have zero experience of this type of door. There must be a way to do it. Are we missing something?

Peter999_2

I'm afraid that's how my door works - you must use a key to lock it from the inside or outside. You cannot lock it without a key (its not like a yale lock).

We always lock the door automatically when we get in and leave the key in the door should it be needed in an emergency (fire etc).

He will have to get used to locking it with his key and then keep the key on him in case anyone else wants to get in.

pimento

They all have a key. If he removes the key after locking the door, can they next person get in?

Peter999_2

Yes, they will be able to unlock the door after he's locked it from the inside and removed the key. It is something you do get used to, just takes a while.

pimento

What an odd way to work a door. It makes it very easy for burglars. I'm surprised the insurance companies will cover anyone with one of these doors.

maninthestreet

pimento wrote: »

What an odd way to work a door. It makes it very easy for burglars.

...only if you leave it unlocked.

societys_child

Sounds like a thumb turn lock would be a better idea in this situation

Couple of examples, prices £7 to £45 (or more)

http://www.easylocks.co.uk/delta-euro-thumbturn-cylinder-euro-thumbturn-cylinders-p-4287.html?gclid=CL_GgKedsLICFUXHtAodL1oAZQ

http://www.screwfix.com/p/yale-anti-snap-euro-cylinder-thumbturn-lock-40-55-95mm-polished-brass/54718?cm_mmc=GoogleBase-_-Datafeed-_-Ironmongery%20and%20Security-_-Yale%20Anti-Snap%20Euro%20Cylinder%20Thumbturn%20Lock%2040-55%20%2895mm%29%20Polished%20Brass

ic

Personally I prefer this kind of door, means you can't accidentally lock yourself out. As already said, the vast majority of UPVC doors work in this way.

If you have a UPVC door with a pad handle that does work the way you describe, and rely on it latching behind you but don't then lock with a key, I suspect that from an insurance perspective your door probably isn't considered as locked, as the multipoint locking system will not be secured in place. If somebody were to break in whilst you are home, but the door is not secured by key, your probably aren't covered.

pimento

societys_child wrote: »

Sounds like a thumb turn lock would be a better idea in this situation

Couple of examples, prices £7 to £45 (or more)

Would one of these be easy to fit on the existing door?

pimento

ic wrote: »

Personally I prefer this kind of door, means you can't accidentally lock yourself out. As already said, the vast majority of UPVC doors work in this way.

If you have a UPVC door with a pad handle that does work the way you describe, and rely on it latching behind you but don't then lock with a key, I suspect that from an insurance perspective your door probably isn't considered as locked, as the multipoint locking system will not be secured in place. If somebody were to break in whilst you are home, but the door is not secured by key, your probably aren't covered.

Very worrying. If I were at home and someone were to break into my home and the door was closed with my Yale but not also with my mortice, I would be covered by my insurance.

ed110220

pimento wrote: »

My son has just moved into a student house. It's a terraced house and the front door opens right onto the lounge.

The door is a UPVC type that you lock from the outside by moving the handle upwards while turning the key. All well and good. However, we can't find a way to lock it from the inside without using a key that would stop anyone passing being able to just turn the handle and walk in. Of course leaving the key in the lock would stop anyone else with a key getting in.

I have zero experience of this type of door. There must be a way to do it. Are we missing something?

I don't understand why you need a way of locking it from the inside without a key. If you've just come in, you have already used your key so you can lock it behind you. As long as you remove the key from the lock, the next person can unlock the door.

This is how my front door works. The bigger danger if you are forgetful is leaving the house without locking the door behind you, if you are used to the type of door that locks itself when closed.