Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck into the lock. This can also be a security problem in that it can expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a piece of the key still sticking out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these tricks are working then it's probably time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a a higher rate 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, this can be the result of several things. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with age and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the problem and fix it correctly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it into 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 test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home as in addition to compromising 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. double glazing Leighton Buzzard require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. Following this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact piece. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.