Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not work properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It can also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
Keep calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must 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 can also work well for this. If you don't have one of these tools, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to use a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is much safer than using a hammer that can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism 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, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.
Then, using another screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and remove the broken 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 place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they 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 very frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are options to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If double glazing window repairs damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.