Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It could also be a security risk, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working properly again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left hanging out, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. double glazing repairs Staines are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you do not have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, place the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by several things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours breaks it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. 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 connected to a central rod which triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be a very frustrating issue.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This can be 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 caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from operating normally. After that the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual, you will need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.