Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key snaps into the lock. It can also be a security issue, as it may leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as hook extractors, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best method is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. double glazing Islington can then hit the lock to break it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. Over time, this can also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't easy to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It is costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Check that the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. 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 can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual, you will require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.