Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. This can also be a security risk in that it can expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and make your door work again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. double glazing repair near me can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping then it's probably time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can book a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. 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 reduce the risk of draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and can damage the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially frequent in 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 attached to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal function. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.