Blog/Videos

Obsolete Upvc Door Locks Rainhill

Every now and then our Locksmith in Rainhill, Derek is asked to replace a upvc door lock that is no longer made or obsolete. So what can we do ? When this happens another lock needs to be sourced or a 3 piece repair lock is used to replace the current lock in place. These locks are not easy to fit and we recommend that although they may be available you use a locksmith to fit the lock for you as sometimes the wrong lock could be purchased and cost you more if its cut incorrectly. If you have a upvc lock problem then at Locksmiths Rainhill we provide no obligation quotes and you can call us on 07967 778940 and speak with Derek or Pam.

Upvc Door Lock Problems In Rainhill

If you are having problems locking your upvc door in Rainhill its better to have an idea what the problem is before you call a locksmith. One way of checking whether its you lock or the door is by opening the door (if you can) and whilst the door is open try and lock it. If you can lock it when its open then you know the problem is not with the lock but the alignment of the door with the frame keeps when it is shut. You can also check the mitres (as pictured) on the corner of the door to see if they line up yo can see from the picture that this one doesnt and the likelyhood is that the door has dropped and will need re-aligning. If you would like a no obligation quote for a door realignment or any other lock problem then call Pam or Derek on 07967 778940 we are here for our customers.

Problem Locks in Rainhill Dont Leave It Until Its Too Late.

This customer called us as they were having problems with the front door lock. The lock was replaced before it locked them out which it would have done.

At Lockkeys Locksmiths Rainhill we can normally provide you with a no obligation quote over the phone simply call us on 07967 778940 and speak with Derek or Pam.

British Standard Mortise Locks - How They Work

Mortise sashlocks and deadlocks have been around a long time and if you have one on a external door then for insurance purposes it should be British Standard. This video shows customers how the mortise lock actually works. Its a simple but effective design were your correctly cut key turns the curtain and also lifts the 5 or more levers to the correct height, which opens a gap called the gate, which then allows the bolt stump to enter the gate and withdraw the bolt. At Locksmiths Rainhill we do a lot of work in church properties which means we probably see more mortise locks than most other locksmiths. If you need a mortise lock upgrading or replacing then call us on 07967 778940.

Disabling The Snib Function On A Nightlatch

On occasions our Locksmith in Rainhill Derek receives a call from relatives or a care agency who have been locked out of a property due to the snib on a nightlatch being used which means the key cannot be used on the outside. This can cause problems when care or medication needs to be provided.

One way to help prevent this in the future is to have the snib function on the lock removed so that it cannot be used. The video shows how we remove the snib function on a nightlatch (Please note its not a lesson on how to do it).

Scandinavian Oval Cylinders

Although at Locksmith Rainhill we have been trading since 2009 Scandinavian oval cylinders are a lock that we dont often see. These locks are designed for the scandinavian lock market but we do see some in the UK which have come over with the original door which tends to be wooden.

These locks are in two pieces a external and internal and its the shape of the internal part of the lock that is a big giveaway in regards to the type of lock it is.

Window Handle Keys

Did you know that most window handle keys are pre-cut ? So if you move into a new property and you have no window handle keys then ask your new neighbour if theirs are the same as yours. If so then they should unlock your window handles. If you need more window handle keys take your one to a key cutters and they should have them on the hook pre cut. At Locksmiths Rainhill we often get asked by customers who have moved into a new home if we can open windows for them.

Upvc Door Locking Problems Is It Your Lock Or Door Alignment ?

As Locksmiths in Rainhill we often get calls from customers who have problems locking their Upvc or Composite door. To determine whether the problem is the multipoint lock or a door alignment we ask them to lock the door whilst it is open. If the lock works ok then both the customer and ourselves know the problem is the alignment of the door. If the door will still not lock then its probably a new multipoint lock or centre case that is required. We provide no obligation quotes for all our customers and since we do not charge a call out fee or vat our quote will be competitive in comparison to other locksmiths in Rainhill.

Door Locking But Unable To Take The Key Out ?

As Rainhill Locksmiths we get calls from customers who are able to lock their upvc or composite doors but are then unable to get their keys out of the lock. This is normally due to what we call a misaligned cam. As you can see from the picture above the lock on the right hand side has a misaligned cam. This is normally caused when a key is left on the inside of the door lock and someone trys to use their key on the outside of the lock causing the cam to slip out of position causing the misaligned cam problem.

When this occurs its normal to replace the lock with a new one. If you would like a quote for a replacement euro cylinder then call Lockkeys Locksmiths Rainhill and speak with Derek or Pam on 07967 778940.

BS3621 Insurance Preferred Locks How To Identify Them

Deadlocking Nightlatches What Are They

If you have a wooden door on your property then its likely that you will have a nightlatch fitted. Also commonly known as "Yale Locks" some of these locks can be deadlocked from the outside for extra security. Our locksmith in Rainhill Derek describes how to tell if your nightlatch is of the deadlocking type on the above video.

Local Locksmiths Rainhill

Lockkeys locksmith Services provide a local locksmith service in Rainhill and surrounding areas. We are based and live in St Helens and are proud members of the St Helens Trader Register which is operated by St Helens Council Trading Standards. Using a local locksmith service as certain benefits for customers which normally includes a faster locksmith service, more cost effective service than national companies and you will speak directly with the locksmiths rather than a call centre. Trading since 2009 Lockkeys Locksmith Services also provide locksmith training from their workshop in Lea Green St Helens and are qualified tutors, assessors and are also Internal Qualification Assurance qualified.

The Rainhill Trials Museum- Gone But Not Forgotten

Rainhill is a village that has a lot to be proud of and a lot of history. Its the place where the Rainhill Railway Trials took place including George Stephensons Rocket, it was also the place in which stood the largest pyschiatric hospital in Europe until it closed in the 90s and is now a large housing estate on one side and a old golf course on the other.

The Railway trials museum which was connected through Rainhill library has now closed due to the councils closure of the library. Our locksmith in Rainhill Derek has family connections with Rainhill as his grandfather and great uncles/aunts was born and brought up in Rainhill near the commercial hotel.

Lock Replacement Service Rainhill

If you need to replace lock in Rainhill then give Pam or Derek a call on 07967 778940 we replace locks on upvc doors, composite doors, wooden doors, garage doors and mailbox locks. Call us and explain what you need and we will provide you with options available and a no obligation quote. Whatever the reason for your need for lock replacement we can make things easier by providing a transparent price and quick response.

Key Safes Which One To Choose ?

Many or our customers use key safes for different reasons although they are normally used by care staff who may be providing care services for the householder. So if you need a key safe which one should you choose?

At Lockkeys Locksmiths Rainhill we will always recommend a high security key safe when this is affordable and of these we would suggest customers look at the Burton Safes Keyguard XL. However whether you need a high security or standard security keysafe when choosing one consider how many keys you need to put into the key safe as this will help you decide the size of the key safe required and most manufacturers will inform customers how manyu keys of different types are suitable to be kept in the key safe.