Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't work properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It's also potentially a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Be sure 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 worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Next, turn 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 with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. double glazing repairs near me require a handle that operates an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically 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 could be hindering its normal functioning. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unusual then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.