Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as a hook extractor and Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is 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 isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once double glazing repair near me is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so 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 types of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from functioning normally. After this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare, you will have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.