Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It could also be a security problem in that it can expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key that is sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have any of these items, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. double glazing repairs is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at more than they should. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and can damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is unusual then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.