Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't work properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks in the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It can also be a security problem, as it may make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. double glazing repair near me can do this using the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective method is to use a long match or piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner, they can rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than anticipated. Over time, this can also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as 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 lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged This can be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. 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 is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal function. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the original 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 is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is rare then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.