Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning properly once more.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece 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 don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually found in most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. double glazing window repairs 's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the best method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This can lead to cracks as time passes.
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 causes. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. 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 debris that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it is being replaced the technician can take an identical dowel 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 damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but if the style of your window is unusual then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.