Change locks on upvc doors

[ihadablackdog]

We’re selling my dads bungalow.

Currently there is a lodger living there and he is moving out soon.

We want to change the locks to ensure he doesn’t go back in.

How do we do this?

There is a front door and a conservatory door, both upvc doors.

Is it just changing the cylinder and is that easy? Or is there more to it?

 

[Smartbear]

There’s a posidrive screw visible when you open the door, remove this & the lock cylinder can be pushed out, replacement fits the same way-you need to measure the depth of the cylinder when choosing the replacement
Rob

 

[ihadablackdog]

Thankyou, glad you said about measuring the length….it’s 150 miles away so won’t know until I go but could buy several from screwfix I guess and return the unused ones.

I know you can get special ones that can’t be snapped, but I only want a cheap version as the new buyers might replace them again (I would if buying a house).

If the sale goes through in the next couple of weeks then I won’t bother (was meant to complete on 17th Dec, but this morning the people at the bottom of the chain potentially delayed it to 21 Jan), so if it is delayed then I’ll go and change them.

Any rough price guide to have a locksmith do it? Wonder if it’s worth the hassle of the 300 mile round trip plus the locks if a locksmith would be the equivalent etc. Its in South Wales so hopefully not inflated London prices.

 

[PerryGunn]

There’s a posidrive screw visible when you open the door, remove this & the lock cylinder can be pushed out, replacement fits the same way-you need to measure the depth of the cylinder when choosing the replacement
Rob

Assuming they're euro cylinders, there's actually 2 measurements that you need to take to make sure of the size

Remove the old cylinder and measure from each end of the cylinder barrel to the centre of the screw hole - lots of the cylinders are reversible, in which case the measurements are the same, but there are plenty that aren't.

If you're ordering new locks, think about ordering ones that are keyed-alike, that way the same key will work in all the locks.

 

[PerryGunn]

Just seen your second post - if you want a locksmith to do it, have a word with the Estate Agent, if they also do lettings they'll probably have a maintenance firm under contract that can change the locks

 

[ihadablackdog]

Pretty sure it’s a euro one. Just YouTubed it….remove the screw as smartbear said and it looks like a piece of p$ss. Just got to get the correct length replacement then.

Asked the estate agent….with exactly the same thinking that they would know someone. They don’t do lettings anymore so the girl I’m dealing with didn’t know but she’s going to check with her boss.

Would hope to take replacements with me so not fussed about the keys being the same.

 

[ihadablackdog]

Just checked screwfix and can see what you mean about the different lengths.

Good job I asked you guys otherwise I would be confooozed! (doesn’t take much to be fair).

 

[Crazy Harry]

Just checked screwfix and can see what you mean about the different lengths.

Good job I asked you guys otherwise I would be confooozed! (doesn’t take much to be fair).

Check the local Screwfix branch and see if they keep any in stock - you can stock check online. If they do then whip the old one out and go down and get a match

 

[rdm05z4]

I realize 300 round trip is a bit much for few hours work. But think of it this way. Chance to give the Zed a good run if weather is nice!

 

[ihadablackdog]

Just checked screwfix and can see what you mean about the different lengths.

Good job I asked you guys otherwise I would be confooozed! (doesn’t take much to be fair).

Check the local Screwfix branch and see if they keep any in stock - you can stock check online. If they do then whip the old one out and go down and get a match

 

[jabber]

You need to have the key in the lock and turn it a fraction to line up the rotating locking bar to be able to draw the barrel out, but it is a really easy job

 

[ihadablackdog]

I realize 300 round trip is a bit much for few hours work. But think of it this way. Chance to give the Zed a good run if weather is nice!

You make a good point sir!

Had to go last weekend but had to take the wife’s car as I had 1 passenger and a dog.

3 weeks ago I drove up to Darlington (from Devon) for a funeral and put BP Ultimate in for both directions (got over 50mpg on the way up).

 

[ihadablackdog]

You need to have the key in the lock and turn it a fraction to line up the rotating locking bar to be able to draw the barrel out, but it is a really easy job

Thanks for the tip.

 

[john-e89]

I realize 300 round trip is a bit much for few hours work. But think of it this way. Chance to give the Zed a good run if weather is nice!

If the weather's nice......Oh you quaint Americans and your simplistic view of the world..... oke: :wink:

 

[Pondrew]

All the above is good advice, but don't worry too much if you can't measure the length of the cylinder accurately. As long as the screw position is correct, if it's too long the extra will just protrude the door but will still operate.
Good tip about the key, though. First time I changed a euro it took me a while to work that out.

 

[Stevo1987]

Is the lodger that dodgy? Most people really are decent. I am sure "due diligence" was undertaken before being allowed to lodge.

 

[PAH]

Just buy a 50/50 cylinder that will sort it.

 

[Stevo1987]

Why change the locks?

 

[ihadablackdog]

Is the lodger that dodgy? Most people really are decent. I am sure "due diligence" was undertaken before being allowed to lodge.

In this case it’s more for peace of mind really in case the sale takes a while to complete I want to know he won’t go back. I doubt he will, but as I’m so far away I just want a little reassurance.

 

[ihadablackdog]

Why change the locks?

As said in the first post, to stop the lodger being able to go back into the property if it remains empty for a little while.