Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? 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 will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping, it might be time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. When camberley Double Glazing Repairs heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. Over time, this can also cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the problem and repair it correctly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop drafts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel portion 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 can then inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. 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 make the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.