Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you open to intrusion. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair through us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a more than they should. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of a number of things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
Double Glazing Door Repairs is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which is then activated by a series of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
Luckily, there are options to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need 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 is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.