Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks in a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly once more.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key that is sticking 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 pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Mitcham double glazing repairs have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and 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 increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after 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 good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from operating normally. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first 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 require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.