Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it can be extremely annoying. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door functional again.
Keep calm. If double glazing window repairs get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left visible and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many 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 locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, such as the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them if needed.
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 loose, you can pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise 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 that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. After that the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.