Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Then 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 the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working you, it's time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Get a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that 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 wear out over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the problem and repair it correctly.
If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop drafts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off 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 this with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly installed after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from operating normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is rare then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.