Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
It is essential that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It could also be a security risk in that it can leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door working properly again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key that is sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them when needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts and damp in your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. double glazing window repairs will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is unique then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.