Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It can also be a security issue in that it can expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make 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 chunk of the key still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is a different cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. This could lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be the result of many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience 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 layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are options to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine 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 procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. window repairs Berkhamsted sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.