Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck into a lock. It can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working correctly.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key that is sticking out it, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken 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 purpose. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these methods are working you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, place the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is far better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Corrosion can be a cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to a number of things. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it right.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. double glazing repairs near me is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly 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 capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from working normally. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.