Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be a security issue because it could make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as hook extractors and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working then it's probably time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end 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 frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly, they can rust or corrode and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop drafts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which is then activated by a series of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. double glazing repairs involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal operation. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.