Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It could also be a security risk since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning properly once more.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you do not have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. 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 using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner, they can be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of 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 Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. double glazing window repairs require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached 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.