uPVC door in closed position with broken lock

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Posted by JimmieS on 25/07/2017 22:01:45:

Man cometh tomorrow, probably with big bill. It was interesting, when phoning round, how few were interested in the job when I could not provide the lock manufacturer's name and it's model number. Have we really come to the era of limited ability in what used to be known (and respected for their skills) as 'tradesmen.' I fear so.

Many thanks again to those who offered their knowledge and support – much appreciated.

I fear we have, most of the tradesmen I have used aren't worthy of the name and I'm sure in most cases I could do a better job but as I am still working full time taking on a large project isn't viable.

Tony

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I would have thought that any respected burglar could help you out in short time ? Place an ad at the bottom of the road "Burglar wanted for Inside Job"
BobH

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

There are a few options – do you have any airbags? we use airbags to apply controlled pressure and hold open gaps

1) Spread the door using the spade like tool then belt the hooks / mushroom domes up or down depending upon location on door ie above or below lock – gearbox may have jammed so won't budge and it's a fine line between b0rking the mechanism and shifting the hooks

2) Grind hooks off – the mushroom domes should pop out of the catches

3) If bolts not hooks, you may be able to pop them with the spreader

Once open, you may be able to fit a temporary gearbox or at least fit sash jammers to secure the door – unsightly but effective

[JimmieSParticipant @jimmies]

Lock man cometh. Note, I have not given him credit as a skilled person having seen his ability and standard of work.

As Paul suggested he put the handle spindle in and, after using his 16 stone weight the lock played ball and opened which did not happen with my 10 stone effort. No suitable lock assembly in his van so off he went. Returned and fitted new assembly. What would appear to be a simple replacement task took him 30 minutes. Cylinder 12mm too long, even though he had the old one to size up. Seemed surprised when I told him I was fussy and would like one of the correct length fitted. Probably I am another difficult customer.

Another example of why 'we' prefer to do as much as possible in house.

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

12mm is far to long and vulnerable to snapping, you are right to insist on the correct length lock – 3mm max as recommended by Master Locksmith Association

We carry around 100 Euro locks on each van in both chrome and brass finish to cover every variation but occasionally we run low on stock or encounter a really unusual situation too

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

With handle plates fitted, measure overall thickness over plates looking on edge of door. Then check distance from face of plate on inside of door to centre of screw in edge of door that fixes barrel and double check outside plate to screw centre.

Can recommend this type :- **LINK**

If you scroll to "Select" it gives all the combinations of lengths and although this seems "Cheap", it's far less than many of the inferior types.

When I worked in UPVC manufacturing (not all that long ago) purchase price of barrels from hardware supplier was £5 each. "Repair" prices were £60 to break a barrel out and replace, less than 5mins work.

 

Regards Ian.

 

And these are real world prices for some of the bits https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/jcplastics489/m.html?item=122556785343&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Edited By Circlip on 26/07/2017 11:51:33

[HowiParticipant @howi]

Has your locksmith replaced the euro lock with a standard unit or high security one? I would recommend a high security euro lock – anti snap, anti bump, anti drill etc. My recommendation would be one by CISA, will cost you about £50 but much better than being broken into by the local lowlife.

Remember a thief will not bother what damage/mess they create, there WILL get in within 30 seconds with a standard eurolock. I am surprised they are still sold bearing in mind how easy they are to break. The weak point is where the securing screw goes through.

Note – ALL external locks should be high security (especially anti snap). If you leave a weak point a thief will find it.

Do not think it will not happen to you.

I had a wake up call when my neighbor ( two doors down) was broken into. Changed my locks the same day!

Edited By Howi on 26/07/2017 14:04:55

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

Even with a high security Euro a determined thief will try another avenue of attack. Most glass is toughened not laminate, it seems the Police prefer to gain entry into property by smashing patio door glass. And as stated, many patio doors will pop open with a spreader bar even when locked. Mortice locks are another issue with only 5 Lever offering decent protection. For garages with in-built locks on the T handle, there are master keys readily available

Security is all about layers and perception, the idea is to make the thief choose another property because sadly, a determined thief will always want to burgle "someone"

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Best security measure is barky dogs.

Neil

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