Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door working properly once more.
Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key hanging out, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and remove it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you do not have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not lose any internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them when needed.
Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the frame of the window. double glazing repairs is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they 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 broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. 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 other debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique then you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.