Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped into a lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning properly once more.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key hanging out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further 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 them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to operate. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is far better than using a hammer that can harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at more than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
double glazing repair near me could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop drafts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. 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 a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. After that the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.