Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It could also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working correctly.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is superior to using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. double glazing repair near me can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is a different cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a more than they should. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a 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 right place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.