UPVC door key turns but doesnt lock from the inside

KMillie

Have a UPVC door that is about 12 years old and was earmarked for replacement this year. However typically is has now broken. Handle goes up and key turns from inside but when you press the door handle the door opens, so actually not locked at all. I have managed to get it to lock from the outside, so it is now secure over Christmas thank goodness.

My question is does anyone know what the problem could be that would cause this. I am going to have to use a locksmith as, being girlie about these things my knowledge of door mechanisms is rather limited. Just wanted to know what I am likely to be looking at before I contact locksmith. What kind of price should I expect to pay a locksmith for labour and are there any questions I should be a asking when I ring.

Any help much appreciated.

dacouch

It should be really really easy for you to fix and replace the lock barrel, it will normally just be three screws to undo and then change the barrel and the do the three screws up.

The only difficult bit is making sure you get the right sized barrel but that's easy enough if you take the old one to the shop with you or take the measurements.

http://www.google.co.uk/#q=replacing+an+euro+lock

When you buy a new lock, try and buy an "Anti bump" lock as these are far more secure.

If you do the job yourself it will cost you about £20 for the barrel, if you use a locksmith you're looking at upwards of £120.

It will take you about 10 minutes to do the job. It's a very handy bit of DIY to do as it means if you ever want to change locks due to say splitting up with an ex partner you can do the job yourself in literally minutes.

There are plenty more tutorials on youtube about it

martyn05

Sounds like the barrel has gone, you are looking at £70 for a locksmith to supply and fit one. If it is the gearbox in the door that has gone then you looking between £120 - £175, depending on brand etc.

trailingspouse

We've just had a similar problem (3 days before Christmas!!) - the key was turning but the door wouldn't unlock. At least we knew it was secure while we figured out what to do.

My OH and his brother had a go at trying to get in, but failed totally (thus proving that having a wi!!y doesn't make you an expert at these things...), plus I was concerned that if they opened the door they would then be unable to lock it again. In the end we had to use a locksmith - he charged £40 for the call out, plus parts which, bearing in mind we were unable to fix it ourselves, I didn't think was too bad.