Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped inside the lock. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable 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 grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the end of the match or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
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 face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, turn double glazing repair to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in 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 operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from operating normally. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.