[Misc] How easy is it to replace the lock mechanism on an external upvc door?

[Bozza]

Our front door lock is temperamental, often requiring a bit of handle waggling.

Should I be able to replace it myself or will I need a man who can?

 

[Blue&WhiteSea]

5 minute job - but you knew that right?!

 

[Muhammad - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

Probably cheaper to move.

#Standard

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Quite easy but I had mine changed by a local locksmith which wasn't very expensive, so ask an expert.

 

[Seagull on the Hill]

Our front door lock is temperamental, often requiring a bit of handle waggling.

Should I be able to replace it myself or will I need a man who c

Yo

 

[The Clamp]

Fiddly job. One of those quick jobs that end up taking two hours.
But not difficult if you have the patience.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Easy

 

[jackanada]

It's a pretty standard part, you can replace the whole mechanism with just a few screws to undo and replace.
Almost no one does but you are meant to give them a bit of maintenance, you may find a good brush a wipe down and a spray of ptfe lubricant sorts it.

 

[Justice]

Pretty sure you can buy the parts in screwfix I changed all the window locks for a customer the other day as she had lost all the keys. Bit different but about 5 mins per window with punching the locks out.

 

[Papak]

Worth a dose of WD40 or 3-in-1 oil first especially if you live near the coast.

Assuming it is one with the lock part running down the outside edge with pins that locate in the frame that move with the handle.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Worth a dose of WD40 or 3-in-1 oil first especially if you live near the coast.

Assuming it is one with the lock part running down the outside edge with pins that locate in the frame that move with the handle.

Genuinely intrigued: does WD40 not work so well in non-coastal locations?

 

[pearl]

Worth a dose of WD40 or 3-in-1 oil first especially if you live near the coast.

Assuming it is one with the lock part running down the outside edge with pins that locate in the frame that move with the handle.

Don't use WD40 (sorry can't remember why not) .... use 3 in 1 oil

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

For locks you should use a graphite spray and not oil - that is what the locksmiths recommend.

@Bozza - if you pop down the road, Attles in Findon Valley should be able to sell you a new lock or the graphite spray. If you really screw it up, they can also come and fix it for you.

 

[Bakero]

Genuinely intrigued: does WD40 not work so well in non-coastal locations?

Presumably, it's not so necessary in non-coastal areas.

 

[keaton]

Don't use WD40 (sorry can't remember why not) .... use 3 in 1 oil

Yes, you want the dry stuff. Locksmith told me that wd40 was the main reason he gets call outs

 

[Rogero]

Try 3 in 1

 

[Papak]

Genuinely intrigued: does WD40 not work so well in non-coastal locations?

It probably works better tbh.

 

[Papak]

My contribution was based purely on this:

 

[Goldstone1976]

I replaced mine in my previous place. Not a difficult job. To my surprise there were about 10 different sizes. From memory, mostly to do with depth. Might be worth taking the existing one with you when you go to buy the new one…

 

[Cotton Socks]

Don't use oil or WD40 as they attract dirt. You should use graphite powder.