uPVC Door Locks for Your Doors
You may have a uPVC door or are considering installing one soon and want to know how to install uPVC door locks. UPVC doors are thermally efficient and secure. They come in different colours and designs to fit your home decor. They are maintenance-free, and you don’t have to worry about them fading or discolouring.
What Is A Barrel Lock?
There are various recommended barrel locks, that are specifically designed for uPVC doors. It looks like a circular keyway and is used with a key to lock and unlock. Once the barrel lock is in place, it is not easily removed unless the ball bearings are removed on both sides of the lock. It is done only by taking off the door handle. This method makes the home extra secure because it is too much work for burglars. If you are wondering how to change the barrel lock, we are here to deliver the step by step method, and you will need these items to begin:
- Screwdriver
- Door barrel
- New door keys
Duration To Change A Barrel Lock
As you can see, changing the barrel lock does not take many tools. It depends on how fast you can disassemble and reassemble the door handle. The time is approximately five minutes to complete the job.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Removing The Lock
Now that you are ready to begin, here is the list of removing and replacing the barrel lock with step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Keep the door propped open
While removing and replacing the lock, you will need easy and quick access to both sides of the door. The door must be propped open with a door stopper on each side to keep the door from moving. This will keep the door in one place and not close while removing and replacing the lock.
Step 2: Loosen the screws using a Phillips-head screwdriver
There are two screws, one on the top of the door handle and one on the bottom side. The screws may be capped off for aesthetic reasons, so look closely if they are not easily spotted. The screws will be on the inside of the door because you don’t want to give access to anyone outside your home to remove the door handle and walk in. Take a Phillips-head screwdriver and unscrew the screws. Take the screws out and put them in a safe place. You will need them to put the door handle back on.
Step 3: Remove outer and internal handles
Now that the screws are out of the way slide out the interior and exterior door handles simultaneously. Remember not to force anything or remove them too fast as you remove them. Doing so can cause small pieces to fly out or become lost. It can also damage the handles if done too quickly. Be sure to have a firm grip on both handles because the handles could break if dropped while removed.
A Guide to Replacing the Lock Barrel
Now that the door handles are out of the way, you can gain access to replacing the lock barrel. Below are the steps to guide you in this process.
Step 1: Locate the lock barrel screws
The lock barrel screw is found under the door lock on the edge of the door. It is a screw that stands out over the rest and is a different colour. It does not look like the others seen on the door.
Step 2: Remove the screw
Using the same Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw you just located. This will allow you to remove both sides of the barrel lock, the inner and outer.
Step 3: Insert the key into the barrel and twist
Take the original key made for that lock and turn it to the right. This step will unlock the barrel lock so that it is easily removed.
Step 4: Pull the barrel out
Once the key is turned, the lock should come right out the door by a slight pull. We cannot emphasize enough not to force anything. It only needs a little tug, and the lock will come right out.
Step 5: Insert the new keys into the new barrel
Take the new barrel and new set of keys. Place the key in the barrel and turn to the right. Slide the barrel back into the last hole.
Step 6: Keep the barrel in place
As you place the barrel in the hole, hold both sides into place, lining it up with the screw.
Step 7: Screw the barrel in its place
Take the Philips screwdriver and screw the screw back into place. This process may take a few tries to line up the screw correctly. Ensure the screw is snug, but be careful not to strip it by overtightening it. You also do not want to cross-thread the screw.
Step 8: Place the spindle inside the handles socket
Now that the lock is in place, it is time to put the handle back in its proper location. Take the door handles and carefully place the spindle inside the socket for the handles. Once this is done, place it through the hole where it goes.
Step 9: Fit the handle in its place
Take the other side of the handle and follow the procedure in step 8 to secure it in the spindle hole. It may take a little wiggling, but it should easily fit right into place.
Step 10: Insert the screws
Now that both sides of the door handle are in place grab the two screws you set aside in step 2 in the first half of the steps. Place both screws into their proper place, one on top of the door handle and one on the bottom, and screw them tightly but not overdoing it.
Common Problems To Avoid When Changing Door Locks
As mentioned earlier, changing the barrel locks on a uPVC Door only takes five minutes. However, it may take even longer if you run across these problems. In some situations, you may be unable to complete the task if these problems are met. We recommend avoiding the issues in this list at all costs to keep the small project running smoothly:
- Do not force keys in or out the lock. This can cause the key to break inside the lock. Once this happens, if there is nothing to grab onto the broken key to remove, it will take professionals with special tools to get the key out.
- Do not strip the screw head or threads. Once this is done, you will not be able to use a screwdriver to remove the screws again. If the threads are stripped or cross-threaded, the screw will not go in all the way. If the screw is not flush, it will hang up on the door. This will leave an unsecured door and possibly cause problems opening and closing the door.
- Do not speed through the process or skip steps. Doing so will cause damage to the door handle or locks. It can also lead to losing parts or screws.
- Contact a locksmith immediately if the door, handle, or lock is damaged during the changing process. This could lead to costly repairs and more work in the long run (possibly purchasing an entire door if the damage is irreparable.) Do not try to overcorrect mistakes.
- If you decide to do it yourself, keep safety a priority. Do not do something that will cause injury during the project or after everything is completed.
- Hard to open doors or locks means it is time to replace them. Sometimes they may need cleaning because dirt and grime will find their way inside the mechanism.
- Do not misalign the components. Each time we mention securing the lock handles, spindles, and more in place, it is to inform you that misaligned parts lessen the security of your home.
- Stop if you have replaced the lock system and turn the key and the lock does not work. Some small parts may have fallen off during the switch. You may also have a defective lock. If so, it is still under warranty if the product fails. This would be another reason to contact a professional locksmith.
Contact A Locksmith To Ease Your Work
Looking over all this information is a perfect guide to DIY changing the barrel lock on a uPVC door. However, if you feel uncomfortable with any of the steps or advice, we highly recommend contacting us. Our website has all the information you need. London Locksmith 24/7 will be there for your locksmithing needs and help you if you have issues changing the barrel lock or any lock on your door. Give us a call or email today!