Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. This can also be a security problem because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key that is stuck 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 well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. Hackney double glazing repairs is much better than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at more than they should. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock 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 an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of security 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 may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that holds the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal function. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in 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 damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare you'll need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.