Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It can also be a security risk, as it may leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
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 make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is better than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can result in 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, it can be the result of many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop the draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be cautious not to overtighten 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 open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. double glazing repair is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually 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 is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unusual then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been 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 handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.