Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned correctly 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 for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door might not lock and make you open to intrusion. There are fortunately simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Make double glazing repairs Wimbledon to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside 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 on your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal function. After this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.