Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and make you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a part of the key that's stuck out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with 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 to bend them and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. 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 use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is better than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
This is a straightforward 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. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also damage 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 covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it 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. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as 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 after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. 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 shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. double glazing repair near me is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers offer 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 make 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 with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.