Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key snaps inside the lock. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly once more.
Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you happen to have a bit of the key visible 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 you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to use. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the best method is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it could be due to a number of things. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. double glazing window repairs require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.