Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door working correctly.
Keep calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key visible it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with 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, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available at all hardware stores. double glazing repairs near me is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
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 is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.