Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use. You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost. Snapped Key It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into the lock. It could also be a security issue in that it can make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a few quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again. Be calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock. Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key. If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock. If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could harm the lock. Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest. Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. As time passes, this may cause cracks. If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle. It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure. Broken Handle It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly. The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the 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. It is typically hidden by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed. Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame. Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again. While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly. Broken Spindle It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue. There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window. After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle. If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. 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.
double glazing repair
