Upvc Barrel allowing both keys in at same time? (1)

[Glyn1959]

Full story, the client is infirm and family can’t access the property as she leaves the key inside the door (in her mind so nobody she doesn’t know can access). Catch 22 I know but hoping there is a solution out there amongst you and experts

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Would a short, metal spring, on the key, fixed on the key, push the key back out enough?

I've just tested that idea, and it sort of works....

My key inserts, and pulls out horizontally. It only needs the internal key to be pulled out by around 3mm, to enable the outside key to work, so fixing a spring on the key used internally would be enough, problem is - the spring can only push the key out that 3mm, if the key is rotated back to horizontal.

 

[foxhole]

Small rubber band around inner key prevents it entering fully unless pressure is applied.

 

[JohnD]

It seems to me that the "long cylinder" is the most dependable option.

Beware the letterbox, because a simple home-made tool can be used to manipulate the key.

 

[Screwsloose]

is there a upvc door lock on the market that allows it to be unlocked with a key from the outside while there is a key on the inside?

Yes. There’s a simple solution via a new euro cylinder.

The Cisa Astral S has a clutch cam fitted as standard, enabling the lock to be opened even if a key has been left in the other side. Regarding reliability, the Italian-made Astral S is a high-quality euro cylinder.

Alternatively, Evva offers an optional external key override for its premium euro cylinders. Evva calls it the ‘BSZ’ option. Also, it can be combined with Evva’s anti-snap option if you want a 3-star cylinder. The Austrian-made lock cylinders are top-quality but priced accordingly.

I have the same trouble with my kitchen door.

See above for a straightforward solution.

 

[cdbe]

I used to have this issue before I got thumbturns. I used to wonder if grinding a few mm off the point of the keys would work.

 

[Screwsloose]

I, for one, wouldn’t start grinding off bits of the key. Instead, I would fit an Astral S euro cylinder myself.

 

[cdbe]

I, for one, wouldn’t start grinding off bits of the key. Instead, I would fit an Astral S euro cylinder myself.

So would l (or rather the thumbturns I fitted instead), but in the interests of "science" I might have a play - I've got a box of old barrels - I presume it's the 35-35's that have the problem.

 

[JohnD]

The thumbturn solves the problem of "getting out in an emergency" that leaving the key in the door was supposed to solve.

 

[ronniecabers]

Exactly this JohnD, new builds have to have thumbturns under building regulations anyway ,plus a letterbox ' cowl ' to prevent stray hands and other objects

 

[Screwsloose]

While letterbox cowls work well for security, I found they can hamper postal deliveries. How secure would a letterbox cage be instead of a cowl?

 

[ronniecabers]

Depends on the type and size of cage, in my experience cages tend to do more damage to post than cowels