Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working correctly.
Be calm. If double glazing repair near me panic and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken 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 are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, 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 may be inside the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, with another screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common 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 mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with 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 however if your window style is rare, you will have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.