Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. double glazing repair near me works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at more than they should. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours breaks it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, with another screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once this is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly installed after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they don't then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting 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 particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. 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 causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to 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 process is typically carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal operation. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is rare then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.