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I just tried out a method to unlock a upvc mechanism without damaging the cylinder or mechanism. I first removed the handle, then I easily drilled a 2.5mm hole just above the top center of the cylinder drilling into the side of the mechanism casing without touching the cylinder, there was no need to drill plastic as there was enough gap. I then used a 20g wire with a 8mm diagonal upstand fed into the hole and then turned like the cam to unlock the mech. It worked for me, has anyone else tried this method. The resting position of the cylinder cam allows access to the mechanism.

Hi Martin, I have seen this done although not tried it yet myself. Obviously you had access to the inside of the property (as the screws are normally fitted inside for obvious reasons) or the person who fitted the handles fitted them with the screws outside. Either way 'well done' good tip. 

Tried this out on the inside of my own doors Dave! didnt really want to drill the handles.

Interesting, not thought of this. The handle doesn't sound as though it was too secure, most handles I come across are screwed in from the back to prevent easy snapping.

You could drill a larger hole in the handle just above the cylinder to feed the wire in but would need enough room to manouver the wire.

used to use that method years ago on building sites when we needed to gain access where no handles fitted or no keys. keys used to get lost on a regular basis on sites, this was years before i was a lockie

gents just beaware that this is an open forum, and sensitive bypass openings should be in the locksmith only section. jay will place it in there if asked..