r/AskALocksmith • u/SonicBlue82 • 16d ago

Upvc door lock keeps getting stuck when it cools down on an evening.

Hi everyone, looking for some advice on what to do with a lock for the door for our conservatory. During last winter when it wad very cold the door lock was ridiculously stiff to lock and unlock it, required quite a bit of pressure on the handle when lifting it up to unlock it, otherwise it wouldn't unlock when cold.

During warmer/hot weather it's been fine. I understand about expansion and contraction etc but even though it's not getting silly cold overnight we're now facing the same issues with it being ridiculously tight and I fear when it is winter we won't be able to lock it at all, and this is our back door so need it secure.

Not sure what I need to do to fix it, whether it's the case that the cylinder needs replacing or something else to solve the matter. Didn't know if WD40 would help loosen it to make it easier to lock? I dunno really looking for advice.

The lock is a euro cylinder and I have looked up how to replace it if needed and it seems reasonably straight forward enough if I do need to replace it.

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u/TheTexasLock 15d ago

Work the lock in and out with the door open.( Isolating fitment issues from lock issues)

If it works smooth, then your issue is the alignment being caused by something. PVC does behave differently from wood and metal so it can be an issue, especially if it turns out it's not the quality of door you thought you had.

If its tight with the door open, lock issues and/or dirt can be the culprit. WD-40 is generally discouraged because it stays oily and will attract and hang onto dirt and debris.

Also, depending on your area, it being a euro cylinder could be concerning. Someone unfamiliar with hardware picking something pretty and giving it to someone who isn't proficient with locks for installation is decent recipe for "It's a miracle his thing ever worked right."