Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it can be extremely annoying. It could also be a security problem because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning properly once more.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could serve to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available in 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 the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is more secure than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning 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 will typically be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace 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 even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. Uxbridge double glazing repairs 's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can re-install them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home, as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a very frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.