uPVC Locksmith Services London
Specialist uPVC door and window lock repair, replacement, and installation. Multi-point mechanisms, euro cylinders, and handles for all brands.
uPVC door lock repair in London
Most uPVC door faults come down to one of three things: a worn or insecure euro cylinder, a failed multipoint gearbox, or a dropped door that has fallen out of alignment. We diagnose the exact cause on arrival and fix the great majority of jobs on the same visit, 24/7, with a typical 25-minute response across London. A euro cylinder swap usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes, while a full multipoint gearbox replacement takes roughly 45 to 75 minutes including realignment. Repairs start from £69 (labour) for a euro cylinder change, with the exact price agreed before any work begins and no call-out fee - see our locksmith price list for the full breakdown.
uPVC Lock Services
City Locksmith London specialises in uPVC door and window locks - including euro cylinder replacement, multipoint mechanisms and handles, as well as doors that will not lock or close properly. Lock change from £69 (labour) and mechanism repair from £99, with a fixed quote before any work starts, no call-out fee and 24/7 availability across Greater London.
uPVC doors and windows are found in millions of London homes and businesses. While durable and energy-efficient, their locking mechanisms can wear out over time, leaving your property vulnerable. If your uPVC door has stopped locking, our detailed guide on why your uPVC door won't lock and how to fix it walks through the most common causes. If you need to change the euro cylinder yourself in the meantime, our step-by-step guide to replacing a barrel lock in a uPVC door covers the process in full. Our specialist uPVC locksmiths carry the parts and expertise to repair or replace any uPVC lock quickly and effectively. Need a full lock replacement? See our lock change service. View our price list for uPVC repair costs.
Euro Cylinder Replacement
Replace old, worn, or insecure euro cylinders with modern anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick, and anti-drill cylinders. We carry a range of sizes and finishes to match your door hardware. A quick and affordable security upgrade.
From £69 (labour)
Multi-Point Lock Mechanism
Repair or replacement of the full multi-point locking gearbox. If your door handle feels stiff, the key will not turn fully, or the locking points no longer engage, the gearbox likely needs replacing. We stock mechanisms for all major uPVC door brands.
uPVC Door Handle Replacement
Broken, loose, or stiff door handles replaced with new matching hardware. We carry a range of lever/lever and lever/pad handles in various finishes including white, chrome, gold, and black.
uPVC Window Lock Repair
Window locks, handles, and restrictors repaired or replaced. We service espagnolette handles, cockspur handles, and multi-point window locks on all uPVC window types including casement, tilt-and-turn, and sash. Learn more about window lock types.
uPVC Door Realignment
If your uPVC door has dropped, sticks, or will not close properly, we adjust the hinges and strike plates to realign it. This restores smooth operation and ensures the multi-point locks engage fully.
Common uPVC Door Problems
Door Won't Lock
Usually caused by a worn gearbox, misaligned door, or faulty cylinder. Our locksmith diagnoses the exact cause and fixes it on the spot.
Stiff Handle
A stiff or hard-to-operate handle often indicates a failing gearbox or internal mechanism. Replacing the handle alone may not fix the underlying issue.
Key Won't Turn
This can be caused by a worn cylinder, misaligned door, or internal gearbox fault. Attempting to force the key can break it inside the lock.
Draughts Around Door
If your door no longer seals properly, the hinges or keep may need adjusting. Proper alignment restores the seal and improves energy efficiency.
Anti-snap cylinders and TS007: what your insurer expects
Standard euro cylinders fitted to many uPVC doors built in the 1990s and 2000s can be snapped in seconds. A burglar grips the part of the cylinder that protrudes past the handle, applies lateral force to break it at its weakest point, and exposes the internal cam to release the lock. This is one of the most common forced-entry methods on London uPVC doors, and it is exactly what an anti-snap cylinder is built to defeat. You can read more about how lock snapping works on our blog.
Anti-snap cylinders are rated under the British kitemarked standard TS007, shown as a star rating:
- TS007 1-star - protects against snapping only. It is usually paired with 2-star door furniture (a security handle or escutcheon) to reach a full 3-star level of protection.
- TS007 3-star - a single cylinder that resists snapping, picking, drilling and bumping. A 3-star cylinder is also typically Sold Secure Diamond rated, the highest independent security grade.
Many UK home insurance policies now expect anti-snap or TS007-rated cylinders on final exit doors, and a snap-style break-in with an old standard cylinder can lead to a claim being refused. Upgrading is a low-cost, high-value improvement for any front or back door, and we can supply cylinders keyed-alike so one key works your front, back and patio doors. If a cylinder has already been snapped in a forced entry, our emergency break-in repair service fits a new anti-snap cylinder and resecures the door. For the wider picture on insurance-grade locks, see our guide to BS3621 and your insurance, and browse the full range of door and window lock types we fit.
Getting the euro cylinder size right
Euro cylinders are measured from the central fixing screw to each end, so the two halves are often different lengths. Common sizes include 35/35, 40/40, 35/45 and 45/45 (the numbers are millimetres either side of the centre). Fitting the correct size matters for security as much as for fit: a cylinder that protrudes more than around 3mm beyond the handle gives a burglar something to grip and snap. We measure your existing cylinder on-site and fit a replacement that sits flush. You can also follow our step-by-step guide to replacing a uPVC barrel lock.
There are three main cylinder types, and we will advise which suits your door:
- Half cylinder - keyed on one side only, used where there is no need to lock from inside (for example a garage side door).
- Double cylinder - keyed on both sides, the most common type on front and back doors.
- Thumb-turn cylinder - key outside, internal knob inside. A thumb-turn aids fire escape because you can unlock without a key, but it is not advised on doors close to glazing or a letterbox, where a burglar could break the glass or reach through to operate the turn.
For deeper background, see our expert uPVC door lock advice.
Repair or replace? Gearbox vs full multipoint strip
A uPVC multipoint lock is a metal strip running the height of the door with hooks, rollers and bolts that all engage when you lift the handle and turn the key. At its heart is the central gearbox, also called the centre case, which drives those points. When a multipoint lock fails, the gearbox is the part that usually wears out first.
If the locking strip and the hooks and rollers are sound, we can often replace just the gearbox - far cheaper than fitting a whole new strip. Gearboxes are brand-specific and are not interchangeable between makes, so we identify the manufacturer and backstamp before sourcing the correct unit, and we carry common gearboxes in the van for same-visit repairs. A full multipoint replacement is only genuinely needed when the hooks or rollers are worn, the mechanism is obsolete, or the strip itself is damaged. Where a door has an out-of-date mechanism, we can also upgrade it to a modern hook-and-bolt high-security unit. To understand the parts involved, see our explainer on how a multipoint lock works.
uPVC door brands and mechanisms we work with
We regularly service multipoint mechanisms and gearboxes from the major manufacturers, including Yale, ERA, GU, Fuhr, Winkhaus, Fullex, Millenco, Mila, Maco, Avocet (including Avocet ABS cylinders) and Ferco. Because gearboxes vary so much between these makes, identifying the right one is half the job, and we carry common cylinders, gearboxes, handles and hinges in the van so most repairs are completed in a single visit.
The same euro cylinders and multipoint systems are used on composite and aluminium-framed doors as well as uPVC, so we repair those too - whether you need a snapped cylinder swapped for an anti-snap one, a tired gearbox replaced, or a dropped door realigned on its flag hinges.
What to expect: our uPVC repair process
Diagnose the exact fault
On arrival we pinpoint whether the problem is the cylinder, the gearbox, the handle or spindle, or door alignment - so you only pay to fix what is actually wrong.
Agree a clear price first
You get a clear, agreed price before any work starts, with no obligation and no call-out fee. If you would rather book ahead, just contact our locksmiths for a free quote.
Carry out the repair on-site
We complete the repair on the same visit wherever possible from the parts we carry, and only order a brand-specific part if your mechanism needs one we do not stock. For a full lock swap, see fitting a new lock.
Test every locking point
Before we leave we test the full operation of the door, checking that every hook, roller and bolt engages and that the key turns smoothly. We provide a written receipt stating the cylinder make, model and security rating for your records and your insurer.
Locked out because the lock has failed completely? Our 24/7 emergency locksmith service attends day or night. For window security and key replacements, see our window lock key replacement guide.
Why Londoners trust City Locksmith
Fully insured, DBS-checked engineers with 15+ years securing London homes and businesses - no call-out fee, with the price agreed up front.
Non-destructive entry
We open without damage where possible
DBS-checked engineers
Background-vetted technicians
Fully insured
Comprehensive public liability cover
15+ years
Serving London since 2008
24/7, 365 days
Day, night, weekends, bank holidays
No call-out fee
Free quotes, price agreed up front
Every job is carried out by an insured, DBS-checked engineer, with a fixed, all-inclusive price agreed before any work begins - no call-out fee and no surprises on the doorstep.
uPVC Locksmith FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our locksmith services.
Can you repair a uPVC door that won't lock properly?
How much does a uPVC door lock replacement cost?
My uPVC door has dropped - can you fix it?
Do you repair uPVC window locks too?
How do I measure my euro cylinder before replacement?
What is the difference between a TS007 1-star and 3-star cylinder?
Will my home insurance be valid without an anti-snap cylinder?
Can you replace just the gearbox or do I need a whole new multipoint lock?
Do you repair composite and aluminium doors as well as uPVC?
Can all my doors be set to open with one key (keyed-alike)?
My uPVC handle has gone floppy or springy - what does that mean?
Can you replace a euro cylinder that has already been snapped in a break-in?
What our customers say
Real jobs, real Londoners. A few words from people we have helped.
The handle on my patio door had gone all floppy and wouldn't engage the locks. Booked online in the evening, sorted the next day. Honest about what needed doing and what didn't.
Conservatory door lock seized solid. Thought I'd need a whole new door. The locksmith freed it, replaced the cylinder and saved me a fortune. Lovely manner too.
My uPVC back door stopped locking unless I lifted the handle and prayed. Turned out the multipoint mechanism had gone. He had the part on the van and replaced it within the hour. Locks like new now.
Composite front door wouldn't lift to lock in the cold weather. He adjusted the keeps and replaced the gearbox and it's been smooth ever since. Knew exactly what the problem was straight away.
Euro cylinder on the front door snapped and I was worried about snapping attacks. They fitted an anti-snap cylinder rated to the proper standard and explained why the old one was a risk. Reassuring and quick.
Old school service with a modern setup. Booked easily, kept me updated on timing, and did a thorough job. The sort of tradesman you actually want to come back.
Friendly, fast and honest, which is all you really want from a locksmith. Sorted my problem the same day and didn't make me feel daft for the mistake that caused it. Top marks.
Second time I've used City Locksmith and same good experience both times. On time, polite, knows their trade and charges fairly. Saved their number in my phone now.
uPVC door or window lock problems? Call now
Specialist uPVC locksmith service across London. Fast repair and replacement, 24/7 availability.
Call 020 4524 6667