Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. This can also be a security risk in that it can make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be 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 help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working, it might be time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to use. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This can lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it here can be the result of many things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending double glazing company near me on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp 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 the frames of your windows to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the replacement double glazed units near me spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. They will be able to take apart the window double glazed windows near me handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without damage to the double glaze repair near me handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.