Door locks and handles
uPVC Door Lock Replacement and Handle Replacement
A lock or handle can fail while the surrounding door or window remains sound. We replace cylinders, multi-point mechanisms and window or door handles, checking compatibility and alignment so the new hardware addresses the fault.
Identify which part has failed
The part you put a key into is the cylinder. Behind the edge of a uPVC door, a longer mechanism operates the locking points along the frame. The handle turns or lifts that mechanism. A fault in one does not always mean replacing all three, so identifying the affected part is the first step.
Describe what happens when you use the door: a key that will not turn, a handle that droops, or locking points that refuse to engage. Whether the behaviour changes with the door open can help distinguish a hardware fault from alignment, but stop if anything feels jammed rather than forcing it.
Replacing a cylinder without replacing the door
Cylinder replacement can be appropriate where that component is worn, damaged or needs a different security specification. The replacement must fit the door and handles correctly; the visible portion should not be chosen by a rough guess at the existing size.
Discuss how the lock is used from both sides, including access and safe exit. A cylinder change is also an opportunity to check the handle fixings and the condition of the surrounding mechanism. A new cylinder cannot correct a dropped leaf or locking points that no longer line up with the frame.
Multi-point mechanisms need a matching replacement
A multi-point lock operates several hooks, bolts or other locking points through one mechanism. Replacements need to match the door's dimensions and arrangement, including the handle position and where the locking points meet their keeps. Similar-looking parts are not automatically interchangeable.
If the gearbox or full mechanism has failed, the door should also be checked for the strain that may have contributed to it. A leaf that catches or needs lifting can make locking harder. Correcting that cause matters before a new multi-point lock is fitted and put back into daily use.
Door handle replacement is not just cosmetic
A loose or drooping handle may have worn springs, loose fixings or another fault behind it. Handle replacement should consider the fixing centres, cylinder position and operating mechanism, as well as the finish you want to see on the door.
Choose hardware that is comfortable for the people using the entrance. The shape and grip can matter more than a decorative finish. The handle should operate the lock smoothly, without rubbing against the door or requiring extra pressure to complete the movement.
Window handles and window locks
Window handle replacement needs a suitable spindle, fixing arrangement and operating direction. A broken handle can leave the window difficult to secure, but fitting a new one is not enough if the internal locking strip or keeps are damaged.
Where window lock replacement is needed, the sash and hinges should be assessed too. A misaligned sash can stop the lock engaging even when its parts are intact. We consider the existing window as a working assembly so a hardware change does not conceal a closing fault that still needs attention.
Agree the hardware and the required work
Keep any markings or paperwork for the existing lock if you have them, and describe the fault when arranging an assessment. Photos can help explain what is happening, but the right replacement depends on the actual measurements and condition. We provide a free survey with a fixed written price and no-pressure quotations.
Use the short form to ask about a door lock, cylinder or handle, or a window handle and locking fault. If the problem also involves seals, hinges or damaged glazing, we can assess that wider repair rather than assuming a hardware replacement alone will solve it.
Questions
Common Questions
Can you replace just the lock on a uPVC door?
Often, where the door and frame remain sound. The assessment identifies whether the cylinder, gearbox or full multi-point mechanism needs replacing. The replacement must match the existing door, and alignment faults should be addressed as part of the work.
Why won't my door handle lift?
The locking points may be misaligned with the keeps, or the mechanism may be stiff or damaged. Do not force the handle. Check the cause before choosing a new handle or lock, because the visible handle may not be the faulty part.
Can a window handle be replaced on its own?
Yes, when the handle is the fault and the mechanism and frame are sound. The spindle, fixings and operation need to match. A window that will not close or lock properly also needs its alignment and internal hardware checked.