Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key sticking out it, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these methods are working then it's probably time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is much better than using a hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to a number of things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason for the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to 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 the lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 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 released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should function 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 closing properly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal function. Following this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare, you will require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. Once double glazing repairs is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.