Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
Keep calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
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 help break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key left sticking out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as hook extractors and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like 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 via our website or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, place the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they may rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a number of things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be 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 to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common 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 connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from functioning normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. Chiswick double glazing repair ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unique, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.