Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door operating properly once more.
Keep calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key left hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to use. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to use an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the home. Based on double glazing repair , they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not lose any internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can re-install them if needed.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window once again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.
Luckily there are ways to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal operation. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.