Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it could be extremely annoying. This can also be a security risk, as it may make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Keep calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key visible, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It is available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When the 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 head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they may rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the 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 has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is 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.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is carried out in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unique then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once double glazing repairs is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.