Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door operating properly again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Next, 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 a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that could be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present in 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 such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Get a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. Burnham window repair can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is better than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and then 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 reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 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 the screw is free, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. After this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.