Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that could be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key that is still sticking out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, however, be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with 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 available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly, they can be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with age and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a very frustrating issue.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. Hounslow double glazing repairs will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual, you will have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.