Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It can also be a security risk because it could expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.
Keep calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. 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 piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze 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 quickly solve 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 more easy to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint 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 increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop the draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. double glazing repair Bletchley is best to keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with 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 secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.