Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not work properly. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and get your door working again.
Keep calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece 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 these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. Stockport double glazing repairs is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could 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 as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can 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 recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Make sure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal operation. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it 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 pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.