Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It could also be a security problem in that it can leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are double glazing repair can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning correctly.
Be calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be hindering the flow. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to operate. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, place the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are ways to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal function. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar 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 spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.