Handles that spin or feel loose
A handle that turns freely without engaging usually means the spindle has snapped, or the drive on the mechanism behind it has stripped. Either way it's the handle and possibly the gearbox, not the window. Spindle length varies between makes, so it's worth us seeing it rather than guessing from a photo.
Locks that need lifting and shoving
If you have to pull the door or window towards you and heave to get the key to turn, the mechanism is misaligned or wearing. Forcing it every day is what eventually snaps the gearbox and leaves you locked out — usually on the coldest night of the year.
Snapped cylinders and security
Older euro cylinders can be snapped by force, and it's a well-known way into a uPVC door. Anti-snap cylinders to the TS007 3-star standard are designed to break in a controlled place and leave the lock working. If your door still has an old cylinder, upgrading it is one of the cheapest security improvements available.
Matching keys
If you're replacing more than one cylinder we can key them alike, so one key does the front door, back door and side gate. Worth deciding before we order rather than after.
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Certass registered · PWF Trusted Installer · £5m public liability · 40 years' experience
Common questions
My key turns but nothing happens — what is it?
Usually the gearbox inside the door mechanism. The key and cylinder are fine, the part they drive has failed.
Can you match my existing handles?
Often yes. uPVC hardware is fairly standardised, and where a design has been discontinued we'll find the closest current equivalent.
Is an anti-snap cylinder worth it?
Yes, and it's inexpensive. It's the specific weakness burglars target on uPVC doors.
Where we cover
handles, locks and cylinders across the West Midlands and the towns around it, including: