Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key visible, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to use. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
double glazing repairs is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions 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 price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't close properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is typically carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal operation. After that the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.