Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It can also be a security issue in that it can leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key visible it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as hook extractors, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is far better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down 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.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. This could lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. double glazing repairs can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very costly and may damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and 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 is broken This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual 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 environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it is being replaced the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces 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 centers can sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.