Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within the lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It could also be a security risk since the door may not lock and make you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working properly once more.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key that is visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with the hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith should be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. double glazing repairs will 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 Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It can be difficult to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken 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 in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising 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 shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This is 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. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal operation. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window style is rare, you will have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.