Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be extremely annoying. This can also be a security issue because it could expose you to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key that is sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. 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, which can be used as hook extractors, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these tricks are working, it might be time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. double glazing repair 's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a cause of cylinder fractures. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This can lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop drafts. It is costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal components of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it into the right place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not cause draughts and damp in your home, as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the 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 most likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unique then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.