Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be extremely annoying. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
Keep calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key that is visible 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 well, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with 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 them and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to 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 various metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. In time, this could cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, using another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. 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 is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. double glazing Colchester can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After 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 constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then 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 might require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.