Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It also poses a security risk since the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning properly again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Corrosion can be a cause of cylinder fractures. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment as well as 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 the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't easy to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed, then close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact part. Once double glazing repairs has been installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.