Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within the lock, it can be extremely annoying. This can also be a security issue in that it can expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, put the end of the match or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at more than they should. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using double glazing repair take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window style is rare, you will need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.