Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Be double glazing window repairs to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could serve to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. 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 installed, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has 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 wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers offer 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 duplicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.