Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, it can be incredibly annoying. This can also be a security issue in that it can expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door functioning properly again.
Keep calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a bit of the key hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these tricks are working, it might be time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the problem and fix it correctly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them when needed.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into 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 test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected 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 does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.