How to Repair a Lock in a uPVC Door

Most uPVC doors have a multi-point locking mechanism, more commonly referred to as MPL. These locks can be costly to replace but it is possible to repair component parts, which can save money on labor, as well as parts.

Sometimes, the problem with a lock on a uPVC door is actually the alignment of the door. If the lock can be locked with a key in the open position, the uPVC door may simply need to be realigned. Check the hinges for loose screws repair or tighten any hinge problems. If the hinges seem to be tight, the door may need to be toe and heeled that entails packing the uPVC frame and panel with plastic frame packers.
If you determine it is not the uPVC door itself, the problem may be with one of the components of the multi-point lock mechanism. If you have lost a key or want a new lock, you will be able to replace the cylinder. In order to obtain the correct replacement cylinder, you need to measure the lock: measure from one end of the cylinder to the middle of the central screw hole and then measure from the other end to the same place. These two measurements give you the size, for example 40/60mm or 45/50mm. Once you have determined the cylinder size, unscrew the fixing screw located halfway up the main lock strip on the edge of the uPVC door. Put the key in one side and put pressure on the other key hole. Turn the key one way but if the lock cylinder does not release, turn the key the other way. Once the cylinder is out put new keys into the new cylinder and turn the key until the cam is facing down. Slide the cylinder into position and replace the fixing screws on the side of the uPVC door.

If the cylinder turns but the locking bolts do not engage, the repair may require changing the gearbox of the lock. First, remove the original gearbox by removing the two fixing screws on the metal strip on the side of the uPVC door. Remove the gearbox and install new gearbox making sure that the metal sliders locate into the gearbox. Refasten fixing screws after installing new gearbox into the lock.
Occasionally, the lock cannot be repaired so the whole lock needs to be replaced. Replacing the whole MPL is not a complicated procedure if you replace like for like. Remove the cylinder, then the handle and then the faceplate screws from the uPVC door. When you remove the lock, look for a manufacturers name and measure the backset of the lock. The backset is measured from the center of the spindle to the edge of the faceplate. Replace the lock by reversing the steps used in removing the old lock.

How To Do Electrics Or Electrical Repairs

I agree that the title of this article seems vague. But I think it would be a good idea to start by showing an awareness of the safety issues ever associated with the kind of work that people usually choose to hire professional electricians for. If you really are going to be installing anything to a circuit, always disconnect the mains before starting. Follow instructions carefully – if you are unsure at any stage do not delay seeking expert advice. And check that the correct fuses are used before re-connection to mains electricity is established.

I hope that anyone reading this (or anyone at all, for that matter!) has the sense to tell simple jobs apart from ones that require the examination and attention of a certified professional. But the title of this article is “How to do Electrics or electrical repairs”; which means that what follows is a brief outline for the most common electrical tasks pertaining to house maintenance.

Electric mounting box installation. A plastic surface mount box is necessary to surface mount a socket – and if the mounting box is to go into a cavity wall then you should have a shallow mounting box (25mm) present to prevent knocking through to the cavity. You may need to use a spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. You will of course also need to have a drill, pliers and countersunk screws handy, as well as wall plugs. By the way, if it is going to be mounted on masonry, also be ready to use a pencil and a mason's chisel and hammer.

There are two kinds of power socket installation: one cable supply and two cables / loop. In both cases there should be three screw terminals marked: L for Live, N for Neutral and E for Earth. Put the red conductor in the live terminal, the black one in the neutral terminal, and the bare wire(s) covered with yellow / green sleeving in the Earth terminal.

When re-wiring a plug, remember: Blue to Bottom Left, Brown to Bottom Right and Green and Yellow to Earth.

With fuses: the power range for a 3 Amp fuse is 700W; for a 13 Amp fuse, it's 3000W. It is never a good idea to choose a fuse of incorrect size.

Other operations which most non-electricians are confident handling alone include choosing and preparing the flex and the cable, also extending a flex and routing a cable. For all other electrical repairs you should seek a professional electrician. Make sure you get up to 3 free quotes so that you can get the most competitive quote for your electrical job. It’s also wise to use a site which has reviews from previous customers and gives new customers an opportunity to put their comments about the electricians after the job is completed. A good site for this is http://www.toptradespeople.co.uk where you can get up to 3 free quotes from local, reviewed electricians.

How To Find A Good Electrician

Of all the DIY trades that exist, it is easy to believe that electrics is one of the most dangerous, if only for high voltages and possible explosions in the case of such mishaps as incorrect wiring. It is little wonder that people often turn to professional electricians rather than attempt to do electricians work themselves if it is something more challenging than just changing a light bulb or replacing a fuse. Of course, given that you are the customer, and as long as you are in a position to pay for a service that is up to code, you can have anything you want. You are the boss. This is both a privilege and a responsibility; try not to be too brief when it comes to outlining the task at hand.

It is sad – and by no means not a worrying thing – that not all people who call themselves “electricians” deserve to be labelled as professional standard ones, even if they do call themselves the same. Yes, electrics is a single separate interest with its own techniques, tools and vocabulary, but you just may be surprised at how many “professional” electricians do not even come close to doing a satisfactory job. Not that the things to consider stop at the level of what skills they have or do not have; if they do not turn up on time, charge too much or exploit customers with hidden costs, stay away.

The demand for professionalism can and does start before there is the first contact between professional person and customer. Sometimes it is just a matter of not being careless with tools, or taking the initiative to buy new ones in advance, if only to avert delays with service provision.

What are the qualities of a “good” electrician? Apart from a good knowledge of electrics, important ones are good analytical skills and hand eye co-ordination, patience, a good sense of balance and physical fitness.

You should make sure, especially if the project is a serious one, that an electrician is registered. And bonded: a bond being an insurance policy for which the contractor pays a premium; which forms the basis of a guarantee.

Some electricians cannot resist the prospect of being paid as soon as possible. But if an electrician demands money before starting work, the rate should not be more than 10% of the cost of the project, evaluated in advance.