For an experienced locksmith, uPVC
door lock repairs are usually a straightforward swap of a centre case or fitting a replacement mechanism. Every so often there a small complications that can make this job a little trickier and have you scratching your head and puzzled.
I thought I would share a few scenarios with my fellow locksmiths to see if you have had a similar experience. If not you will sure know what to look for when you do encounter it.
Lockmaster/Paddocks Centre Case Replacements
Have you ever swapped the centre case on a Mila-master/Lockmaster/Paddocks mechanism and found that upon lifting the handle the top hook and bolt will only protrude 95% of the way? This makes it impossible to throw the lock by turning the key.
After much head scratching I solved this mystery which has led me to order a complete locking strip in the past.
The followers on these strips connect to the centre case via a 90 degree bend which drops into a slot inside the gearbox. Continual forcing can cause this 90 degree bend to stretch which in turn throws the top hook slightly out of sync.
To repair clamp behind the bend and tap back into a 90 degree angle and refit the centre case.
Fuhr Lockcases Working But Not Opening
So you installed a new Fuhr mechanism and check it all works, however the door is not opening despite the key unlocking and the handles working as normal.
Sometimes the pins in the lock bolt have not been sealed properly and upon throwing the bolt they can slide out of the end, effectively extending the bolt length.
Resist forcing the door open and using a spreader, shuffle them back inside the lock bolt.
Peen over the ends and/or glue the pins in place to make good.
About Turn Locks Epsom
Unjamming Mechs Without Working Handles
When the spindle gear is broken or missing from a upvc door lock you can effectively unlock it with the key but have no real way to retract the bolts and hooks.
If you have access internally you can remove the handles and retract the bolts with an L shaped wire in the hole the gear sits.
When faced with a lock out situation I have found the best method to retract the hooks is to locate the position of the bottom most locking point using a mica card and then spread the door slightly at that point.
Using a bent screwdriver/wire, manually force the bolts or hooks back inside the lock case.
Since it is all connected all of the bolts will retract with it except for the latch piece which is easily popped with mica or a flat steel prising bar.
