Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck into a lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
Be sure to remain calm. If double glazing repair near me panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these tricks are working you, it's time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using an hammer or another tools, but the most effective method is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, put the end of the match or wire in the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. In time, this could cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that holds the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. Be careful not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once again.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a very frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window style is rare then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it is attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.