Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security issue in that it can expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly once more.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key 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 slip out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key that's stuck then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. You can book a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. In time, this could also lead to 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 reasons. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It can be difficult to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them again when needed.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they're not, you could 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 on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. Kettering window repairs involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that could be hindering it from functioning normally. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.