Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and make you open to intrusion. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a bit of the key left hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually found in most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Request a repair for your double glazing with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason for the problem and fix it correctly.
If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle by using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that 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 which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your window after a few times.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be 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 so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect 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 specific 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 will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal function. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. Aldershot double glazing repair ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.