UPVC Fixings

[Stanleymonkey]

I have a simple lock for my front door letterbox.

The fixings have worn loose, mainly from the kids playing with it! :-x

I need to replace the screws that were used for it. Everytime I google UPV fixings I get door hinges etc.

Can I just use normal screws? (Or did the person who put the lock in make a mistake and I need bolts / self tappers?

Are there any plasterboard / hollow door type anchors that people have found to work well in UPVC?

Martin

 

[sammy.se]

Hi,

do you have a pic? might help with the answer...

 

[Lons]

Plenty of upvc screws available Sammy and your best bet if you can is just nip into one of the window companies in your area, on most industrial estates, and beg a few foc
Most however are intended to fix through the PVC and into internal steel or alloy stiffening section.

They are basically self tappers, sometimes with a self drill tip for speed of assembly. In your case I would suspect that the "lock" fixings are just into the pvc section just a few mm thick and you have a couple of possible repair options: Use slightly larger section self tappers or plug the existing holes with very small wall plugs and stick the original screws back in. I've used both methods though only on my own property and I've never seen a letterbox lock.

As Sammy says, a pic would help.

Bob

 

[sammy.se]

+1 for the plugs idea. I've done that, with some superglue or epoxy for extra hold.

 

[Lons]

+1 for the plugs idea. I've done that, with some superglue or epoxy for extra hold.

Good idea with the glue.

Just realised I typed Sammy in my post instead of Martin - easy mistake, very similar names what? :lol:

Bob