Blog Post

UPVC door specialist and advice? We can help

Jul 31, 2021

UPVC door locks (often called plastic doors) can be frustrating for a homeowner. We aim to take out all the frustration of owning a UPVC door and providing all services related to UPVC door locks and mechanisms.

UPVC door locking system
First, we will briefly explain what a UPVC door lock consits of. Then we will go through the most common faults our UPVC lock specialists come across, how we repair UPVC locks and a UPVC door lock price guide.

1. A multi-point locking mechanism - This is normally a strip down the edge of the door with a few cases that sit inside the door itself and bolts that come out the door and go into the frame.
2. A cylinder - This normally sits inside the door and is accessed with the key from the outside and inside (sometimes only the outside is operated by a key as a knob is used on the inside for fire safety) and a screw on the edge of the door.
3. A handle set - These sit on each side of the door and are used to operate the latch and the locking mechanism/ bolts.
4. Hinges - These are often overlooked and are an important component of a UPVC Door. When adjusted correctly they can ensure that your door will last a lot longer as it won't be dropping so rapidly. 

UPVC Door with incorrect size euro fitted

Now we have gone through the components of a UPVC door we will go through a few common issues our UPVC door locksmith comes across.


UPVC Door Won’t lock/ shut - I cant lift the handle and turn the Key


Both of these issues are usually caused by one of two reasons


      1.  The door is out of alignment. Yes seems simple but in hot and cold weather the plastic shifts resulting in dropping doors. This throws the bolts and latch out of alignment also resulting in additional wear and tear on the mechanism inside the door. 

2. The door trim rubber has moved & is not sitting properly stopping the door from shutting correctly. If you have recently installed draft excluders, remove them as well. UPVC doors when installed and maintained correctly offer amazing draft exclusion.



Keys goes in lock & turns but won’t open

UPVC/Composite Door


If the key goes into the lock smoothly and turns, but the handles won't go down and the door won’t open, this usually means the multi-point lock has failed or a security bolt or hook has jammed. In these situations you will either have to use another door or call an Emergency UPVC locksmith.


Why won't my key turn in my UPVC door lock?


The top reasons your UPVC door won't unlock are:


1.  UPVC Multipoint lock may need repairing or replacing

2. Door and frame not fitting correctly or are out of alignment

3. The handles have been forced up to lock and the delicate mechanism has broken

4. General wear and tear


The best solution for these issues are, in order:


  1. Replace your mechanism. They are often supplied welded or riveted shut and opening one up will cause you more problems than solutions. Best to call a UPVC door lock specialist.
  2. This can usually be solved with a UPVC door realignment. This can be done yourself by tightening the alan key screws in the hinges. Which ones to tighten and whihc ones to loosen depends on the door and hinges in question. Again, probably best to call a UPVC door locksmith who will be able to adjust and service your UPVC door giving it many more years of service.
  3. Once the mechanism is broken, whether in the open position or locked position - it's best to call a UPVC door locksmith. They will be able to diagnose which part of the mechanism is broken, open your door and replace the parts that need replacing. UPVC door mechanisms come in many shapes, sizes and forms - for this its best to call a mobile UPVC door locksmith.
Mobile UPVC door locksmith


4.   This can usually be solved with a simple UPVC door home service. We advise washing the mechanism in a liquid lubricant without opening it, once dried go ahead and fill it up with a silicone based lubricant. This will ensure all the small gears and moving parts inside the mechanism run smoothly against each other. Liquid lubricant is not enough! Tighten the screws (not too tight) along the edge of the door and make sure all locking points line up correctly visually.



How we can help you with your UPVC door lock problems.


There are a number of reasons why your UPVC Door or Window lock will need repairing if it is broken or damaged, you will either be able to fix the faulty lock or you might need a lock replacement.

Contact your nearest locksmith who can help advise you on the best solution.

The most common locks to be repaired are UPVC locks on door and windows, which are found on your domestic home front & back doors, they can also be found on French and patio doors.


Plastic Door or window will not lock

The UPVC lock is jammed/stuck

Key will not fully turn in the cylinder

Key goes in the lock but will not turn

UPVC Door won’t shut close


Our UPVC Locksmith can repair or replace many different types of UPVC locking mechanisms usually on site.


UPVC locking mechanisms have evolved over time with the security levels offered originating with the latch and roller style mechanism’s and now usually latch, deadbolt and hook variants on offer from most high-security upvc/composite door sets and brands.

We can also upgrade out of date MultiPoint locking mechanisms.


Our locksmiths can also usually upgrade any out of date UPVC multi-point locking mechanisms for the higher security, hook and bolt style higher security locking units. There are a lot of obsolete brands from overseas who no longer manufacture those specific models. This means the door and frame need to be adjusted, another job or locksmiths are expert at.



UPVC Locksmith price guide


Gain access broken UPVC door - From £75 - £145 depending on level of damage internally.

UPVC mechanism or cylinder replacement labour - From £69 to £89

UPVC door cylinders - 

Basic - from £30

Mid range - from £55

High security versions - from £95 (British standard home insurane compliant)

 UPVC locking mechanisms - from £130 to £280 (UK made mechanisms are usually less expensive, Winkhaus and other overseas mechanisms can reach £350+)


If you're in need of any UPVC door advice, or are in need of a reliable UPVC door locksmith - we can help, just click here to call us now.


01 May, 2024
When it comes to ensuring a happy and secure home, few elements play a more crucial role than the humble door lock. However, like any frequently used mechanical component, locks require regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions and extend their lifespan. This guide will help you with the essential practices for maintaining door locks, ensuring they stay functional and secure year-round. Alternatively just call us and our lock repair locksmith will take care of it for you.
18 Apr, 2024
Do you have superglue in your lock? Need to remove it? We can help.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Homeowners and business owners frequently experience lockouts, damaged locks, and missing, stolen, and damaged keys.
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Are you locked out of your home or business in Richmond? Do you need to upgrade, repair, and replace any of its door locks, window locks?
By Simon Gabriel 01 Dec, 2023
Does your residential home or business need a security upgrade in Richmond upon Thames?
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Emergency lockouts can happen unexpectedly. You may come home and find your door lock damaged from an attempted burglary intrusion. Perhaps you have lost your keys and cannot gain entry to your home. Whatever the emergency, you must call a professional locksmith company with the proper skillset and tools to address the problem quickly. That is where we can help. SMS Locksmith is a professional emergency locksmith company serving homeowners and business owners in Twickenham and surrounding locations. Our company can dispatch a qualified and licenced locksmith to your Twickenham-based location within 30 minutes after you request our help. The locksmith will arrive at your property with all the tools and equipment needed to perform the emergency service. Our emergency lock-opening services use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors and windows. We will not damage the doors and windows during the lock-opening process. However, if your lock is damaged or you have lost your keys, we may recommend our lock and key replacement service to ensure your property remains secure. It all depends on the situation. SMS Locksmith employs the most qualified and dedicated locksmiths in Twickenham . Our emergency locksmith services include lock picking & bypassing, lock slipping, and lock drilling. Afterward, we can replace old or damaged locks. Then, you can have peace of mind about the security of your home or business. Request Emergency Assistance Would you like to request emergency assistance with a lockout or other emergency lock situation in Twickenham ? Call us at 0203-3151-0531 to submit your request today. We look forward to serving you.
Locksmith in Twickenham
By Simon Gabriel 20 Nov, 2023
Do you need a mobile locksmith in Twickenham? Whether you have been locked out of your building or wish to repair or replace its door or window locks, you must hire a professional and trustworthy locksmithing company to do the job right.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Some homes and businesses use lockable post boxes to store incoming or outgoing mail securely. Does this sound like your situation? Perhaps you live or work in a neighbourhood with a lot of crime and worry about your packages and letters getting stolen. If that is the case, you must hire a professional locksmith to install sturdy and durable locks in your post box, post room, or letter box. Post boxes and letter boxes are essential to keep secure because they often contain critical financial, personal, and legal documents. The last thing you would want to happen is to see those documents end up in the wrong hands. But that could happen if you lose your keys or have a broken lock in the post box or letter box. Every post box and letter box requires a different type of lock and key. So, if your post box lock is malfunctioning or you have lost or damaged the key, you will need a professional locksmith to install the proper lock and key system for the box. Do not attempt to replace the lock or key yourself because you could worsen the problem. Top Reasons for Post Box Lock and Key Issues Here are the common reasons why you might experience problems with your post box lock or key: 1) Vandalism to the Box Your post box or letter box is always out in the open, where it is susceptible to vandalism. If you live in a neighbourhood with a high rate of vandalized and burglarized properties, don’t be surprised if your post box suffers intentional damage. It should be easy to recognize the signs of a vandalized post box because it will contain scrapes, marks, and scuffs around the lock area. If the lock feels loose or unusual after inserting your key, then you should replace the lock immediately. 2) Stolen Keys Did someone steal the keys to your post box or letter box? If so, you cannot run the risk of the thief using the keys to access the contents of your post box. Contact a professional locksmith to replace the lock and create a new key. That way, the stolen keys will no longer work on your post box. 3) Wear and Tear The locking mechanisms of post boxes and letter boxes will not stay viable forever. There will come a point when the locking mechanisms stop working correctly due to wear and tear from years of usage. Have a professional locksmith replace the lock when the signs of wear and tear appear. Even if the lock is still functional, it is only a matter of time before it malfunctions. Take all signs of wear and tear seriously. Contact a Professional Locksmith SMS Locksmith offers fast, affordable, quality lock replacement services for post boxes, post rooms, and letter boxes. If you need to request this service, please call us at 020-3151-0531 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be the property owner or tenant authorized to access the post box, post room, or letter box. Our services cannot be used to access a box or room that you have no authority to use.
By Simon Gabriel 30 Oct, 2023
Everyone expects their keys to work well with their locks. When you stick your key into a keyhole and turn the key to unlock a door or locking mechanism, you expect the latch to release immediately. Failure is not an option for the sake and security of your property. A healthy lock will never keep rotating indefinitely. A key requires you to apply a slight force as you turn it. Usually, a 90 or 180-degree turn of the key will unlock the lock. But what happens if your key keeps turning in the lock? Is that normal, or is there something wrong with the lock or key? Well, it is certainly not normal. A key keeps turning in a lock because a small component within the locking mechanism has suffered damage or wear. In most cases, the actuator is the component that has stopped functioning correctly. It is the component responsible for transmitting power when turning the key. This power transmits to the latch or deadbolt to lock or unlock it. If the actuator is damaged, worn out, detached, or broken, it cannot transmit the necessary turning force to lock or unlock the deadbolt. Instead, the key will feel looser with less resistance as you turn it. And the key won’t stop rotating after turning it 90 or 180 degrees. It will keep turning all the way around. Of course, different locks have varying components and mechanisms installed. Many small parts correspond with the actuator and help it function. For instance, Euro cylinders use a clip to secure the actuator firmly. But if the clip suffers wear or damage, it will release the actuator and prevent it from operating the deadbolt correctly. The best-case scenario is that some screws are loose in the locking mechanism. If you see the entire lock or cylinder rotate as you turn the key, you may only need to tighten some loose screws. But you won’t know for sure unless you contact a professional locksmith to evaluate the problem. It is better to be safe than sorry. Call a Professional A lock no longer works if your key keeps turning and turning without ever stopping. Sometimes, it could even cause you to be locked out of your home, garage, or building. The only way out of this situation is to contact a professional locksmith for an emergency lock repair or replacement service. One phone call to SMS Locksmith can resolve the issue quickly. We can send a professional and certified locksmith to your property to repair or replace your lock. If we determine the locking mechanism is outdated, we may recommend upgrading to a more advanced lock for better security and functionality. Call 020-3151-0531 for more information on our door lock repair and replacement services. We offer affordable prices on our locksmithing services for business owners and homeowners nationwide.
By Simon Bernstein 30 Oct, 2023
Did you know a door key wears down each time you use it? Many assume door keys last forever because people use them thousands of times without problems. However, a key may survive hundreds of thousands of locking and unlocking cycles before it breaks down or snaps in half. Some people even get things stuck on the teeth of their keys that prevent them from working in the locks. Private residents and commercial property owners will likely experience problems with their keys at some point. For example, you could find yourself in a situation where your key breaks, snaps, malfunctions, or gets stuck in a lock or keyhole. Once this happens, you will need the professional services of a licensed locksmithing company to assist you in making a replacement key. SMS Locksmith is one of the most trusted and professional locksmithing companies around. We have the tools, skills, and expertise to replace the broken, stuck, or blocked keys for any lock. If your key is stuck in a keyhole, our professional locksmiths have advanced tools and techniques for removing the key without damaging the lock. We aim to ensure you have a fully functional lock and key to secure your doors sufficiently. Here are some tips to remember when your key snaps, breaks, or gets stuck in a lock: Do Not Attempt to Remove the Key Yourself You may feel tempted to remove your key when it gets stuck in a lock. We recommend you refrain from taking personal action because you could risk damaging the lock or door. If that were to happen, you would have to pay extra money to replace the lock. Why take the risk when you can call a professional like us to replace your key for a much lower price? Never Force Too Much Pressure on Your Keys in the Future Wear and tear are common reasons for keys snapping in half. But they can also snap in half if you put too much pressure on them. Anytime you insert a key into a keyhole and turn the key, you should not have to apply more than a few pounds of pressure to the key to lock or unlock the latch. If you must place extensive pressure on the key, then something must be wrong with your lock or keyhole. Perhaps something is stuck in it, or the locking mechanism is broken. Either way, you should contact a professional locksmith to investigate the situation instead of forcing a key to work. Contact Our Professional Locksmiths SMS Locksmith can repair, replace, or remove keys for all kinds of locks, including front door locks, garage door locks, window locks, padlocks, and more! Our locksmiths work fast and efficiently to perform the service for clients and reduce the inconvenience. It should take no longer than 30 to 60 minutes for our locksmiths to remove or duplicate keys as needed. Call 020-3151-0531 to submit your key service request today. Our locksmiths offer emergency and non-emergency key repair and replacement services.
Show More
Share by: