Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped inside the lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working properly again.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working you, it's the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to use. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this using a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for 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, including cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window open then loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. double glazing repair involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually performed in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from working normally. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.