Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside the lock. It could also be a security risk, as it may make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
Remember 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, making the situation even more difficult.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter 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 pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy 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 have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it correctly.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If double glazing repair near me fails to open when the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able 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 window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from operating normally. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.