Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security problem, as it may expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide 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 small piece of the key hanging out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be accomplished with the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This could lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra replacement double glazing units near me layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window check here handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the problem and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism, will double glazed window repairs near me improve 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 cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting 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 so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After more info the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal function. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. double glazed window repairs near me If it's being replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.