Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. This can also be a security risk in that it can expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working properly once more.
Be calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out then grab it using 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 have grooved edges that can be used as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. 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 strategies appear to be working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When double glazing repairs near me heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and 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 offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be 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 to ensure 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 common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal function. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.