Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not lock and leave you open to intrusion. There are double glazing window repairs can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key that's still sticking out and is not being removed, 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 that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra 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 a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle with a screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts 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 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 in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any wear or damage. The process is carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unusual then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.