Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
It is essential that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps into the lock. It can also be a security problem, as it may make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning properly once more.
Keep calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key left visible, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to 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 causes. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing 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 When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be able to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at 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 correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails 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 ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If double glazing repair Potters Bar is being replaced the technician will need 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 has an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell 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 make the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.
