Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren’t aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. This can also be a security problem, as it may leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of the key hanging out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and double glazing repair remove it. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don’t have any of these then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you’re unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair – Suggested Browsing – with us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It’s fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and usage, so it’s no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it’s the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your upvc repairs door and reduce the risk of draughts. 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.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it’s the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
Don’t forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you’re working with the handle. If they’re not then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. 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.
There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that could be hindering it from working normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If it is replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. 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 offer generic replacements, but if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or double glazing repair cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frame’s existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.