Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. This can also be a security risk because it could expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door working correctly.
First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a small piece of the key that is sticking out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove 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 serve as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective way is to use a long match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it right.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn double glazing Biggleswade to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't cause damp and draughts in your home as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within 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 fails to open when the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by 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 could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is rare then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.