Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not work properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks in a lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and make your door functional again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make 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 use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It is available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure 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 phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. This can lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. 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 TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of security 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 a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted, then close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. double glazing repair near me could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is 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 has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact piece. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.