Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect 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 an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not lock and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is far 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 occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. In time, this could cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them if needed.
Then, using an additional screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal functioning. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. double glazing repair near me will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.