Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a part of the key that is still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. You can also 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 the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it into the correct position. 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'll be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected 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 is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what caused it to 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, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean double glazing repairs Harlow damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.