Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It can also be a security issue in that it can make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are fortunately simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning correctly.
Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key still sticking out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. Get a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, double glazing repairs Horley is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's end or wire near the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion can be a cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they may corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. 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 recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it's difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not 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 issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.