Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside the lock, it can be extremely difficult. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and make you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can use to solve the problem and get your door operating correctly.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that's stuck, 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 damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also 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. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the 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 right.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Next, 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 by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is 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, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common 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 that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has 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 wear or damage. This procedure is usually done in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean Deptford double glazing damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unusual, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.