Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in a lock, it could be extremely difficult. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are double glazing window repairs of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. 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 of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A professional locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has 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 in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.