Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or double glazing door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You’ll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don’t function properly. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. It’s also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few easy fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key stuck then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don’t have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It’s usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire’s end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, double glazing it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by several things. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of security against burglars. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and usage, so it’s no surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing repair glazing door’s security and help you stop the 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 open and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle with the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it’s the same size as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage 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 unlock your window.
Don’t forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you’re working with the handle. 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, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. 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 is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can’t be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you’ll be able to operate your uPVC window.