Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. This can also be a security issue, as it may expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and get your door working again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that is stuck then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. double glazing window repairs work, but be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier 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 can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can result in corrosion or rust and 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 rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape 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 has been damaged, this can be a very frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from operating normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it is attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.