Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the issue 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 may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull 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 serve as hook extractors and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. 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 solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is far better than using a hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When the different metals are heated and cool 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. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. This can cause cracks in the future.
If double glazing Marlow or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately it's a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it right.
With the window open then loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window once again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal operation. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique, you will need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.