Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It can also be a security issue, as it may leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working properly again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a small piece of the key sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working, it might be time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair via our website or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure 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 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, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of a number of things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. double glazing repairs can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing 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 that they sometimes break. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
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. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal parts within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them if needed.
Then, using an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are options to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.