Why won’t my uPVC door handle lift to lock?
A uPVC door handle that won’t lift to lock when closed can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a broken or worn-out mechanism to an incorrect adjustment of the mechanism.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of this problem and provide you with a few DIY solutions and recommendations for when to call a professional locksmith.
What causes a uPVC handle not to lock?
The first step in fixing a UPVC door handle that won’t lift to lock is to determine the cause of the issue.
Some of the most common causes include a broken or worn-out mechanism, an incorrect adjustment of the mechanism, a misaligned door frame, and a broken or damaged lock.
- Broken or worn-out mechanism – over time, the mechanism that connects the door handle to the lock can become worn or broken, which can prevent the handle from lifting to lock the door
- Incorrect adjustment of the mechanism – sometimes, the mechanism can become misaligned, which can prevent the handle from lifting to lock the door. This is usually caused by an incorrect adjustment of the mechanism
- Misaligned door frame – if the door frame is misaligned, it can prevent the door handle from lifting to lock the door. This can occur if the door is not properly installed or if the frame has become damaged over time
- Broken or damaged lock – a broken or damaged lock can also prevent the door handle from lifting to lock the door. This is usually caused by a faulty lock or a break-in attempt
Solutions to fix a uPVC door that won’t lock
If you’re experiencing a UPVC door handle that won’t lift to lock when closed, there are a couple of solutions you can try:
- Adjusting the mechanism or door frame – if either the mechanism or the door frame is misaligned, you can try adjusting them yourself by loosening the screws that hold each in place and then tightening them again
- Replace the lock – if the lock is broken or damaged, you should have it replaced. Whilst you can do this yourself, we would recommend using a professional locksmith (not just because we’re locksmiths!)
If you’re looking for some guidance on troubleshooting your uPVC door handle, check out the following video:
When to call a professional locksmith
While there are a few DIY solutions you can try to fix a UPVC door handle that won’t lift to lock when closed, if these don’t work then it’s time to call a professional. They have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix the problem much quicker than you’ll be able to yourself.
Likewise, if you determine that your lock is broken or damaged then it’s best not to try fixing it yourself – you want to sleep easy at night knowing your home is secure.
