Upvc front door

Not engineering, but I thought other readers might like to know of our experience. Recently our Upvc front door locking mechanism system failed. I removed the lock etc with the help of my wife and dismantled the lock case. In it I found a very small, poorly made brass cam which was worn away. I went to the large factory where it was originally made hoping to buy a replacement. On enquiring about a replacement lock, we were told we change our lock supplier from time to time and the one you require is no longer available. During the conversation it was implied they changed the the locks so that customers have to buy another complete door £375.(I could be wrong) I have at hand several Iron mongers type catalogues and found a locking system £75. A friend suggested ebay, had a look there and bought the exact lock £16 delivered. We fitted the new lock within a hour.

Just another example of the throwaway society that we live in, no wonder the planets heating up with global warning when we are expected to throw away and renew at the slightest sign of problems instead of repairing, Well done John. Dave W

You could be talking about uPVC.

JA

The low price does not surprise me. The rack and pinion drive on one of my windows failed due to the flimsy nature of the design. and it was also obsolete but 20 years old. I had to modify the pocket the replacement fitted into to repair the window.. Oscillating multi-tools are a great invention.

Martin C

The UK introduced a “right to repair” law on July 8.

However, it does give manufacturers a two-year window to make the necessary changes to abide by the new legislation.

I had no such problem my lock mechanism was badly worn so I took it along still attached to the locking strip to my local window/doors shop I was told it was all obsolete but off the guys went and came back with a lock complete with locking strip and said I would need to move the fixed catches slightly which I did job done and didn't break the bank

h

My door mechanism failed about 5 years ago and I got a replacement one, about 5 feet long of the same style from a local door specialist for about £70. I did not think about ebay at the time as I was in a hurry to get it working.

The locks on these doors need to be lubricated at regular intervals which seldom happens,it's not suprising that the parts wear out.

Frank

They do no need lubricating, Bricky, but much of the mechanism is inaccessible in most doors and windows.

Many of the warranty repairs we did when I worked for a window company could have been eliminated by the owner giving the window stays, handle gearboxes and accessible parts of the door lock mechanisms a tiny squirt of WD40 or 3 in1 every couple of years. And ensuring that the external gaskets and drain holes were clear

They do no need lubricating, Bricky, but much of the mechanism is inaccessible in most doors and windows .

I'm not sure that's strictly the case. I have removed various mechanisms locks hinges etc and there are many websites, Screwfix included, but not exclusively, that supply either the direct parts or suitable common parts based on various dimensions of the plastic profiles. I have just replaced some window locks on daughters new house. Previously on my house and my Mothers house and I am no expert, trust me. Still managed to solve the issues.

Oh yes and when moved in to the current house stripped all locks out and mechs gave a good lube up and no issues since 10 years on, they were well gummed and stiff when we moved in.

Alan

While true, this is unfortunately irrelevant to door locks. The new law covers only the following items (taken from a convenient summary from Which? but also confirmed by the actual legislation)

For now, the right to repair laws only cover:

• Dishwashers;
• Washing machines and washer-dryers;
• Refrigeration appliances;
• Televisions and other electronic displays

They also cover non-consumer electronics, such as light sources, electric motors, refrigerators with a direct sales function (eg fridges in supermarkets, vending machines for cold drinks), power transformers and welding equipment.