Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It can also be a security problem because it could make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few easy fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, however, be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. You can book a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tools, but the most effective way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is superior to using a hammer that could damage the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they should. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. double glazing repair near me is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.