Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps inside a lock. It can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can use to solve the problem and get your door working correctly.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key that is sticking out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. double glazing window repairs could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it's difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop drafts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, with an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't cause draughts and damp in your home as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unique you'll need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.