Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
It is crucial that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. Book a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
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 reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing double glazing repairs can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure not to lose any internal parts within the handle, such as the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not cause damp and draughts in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of your window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from working normally. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window style is rare then you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.