Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps inside a lock. It can also be a security risk, as it may leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning properly again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a piece of the key still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions 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 is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, with another screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If double glazing repairs is being replaced the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.