Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside a lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can use to solve the problem and get your door operating properly again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key left hanging out, 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, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with 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 hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to 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 easier to use. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith should be able solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with age and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop drafts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It 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. Be sure to not lose any internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the right place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising 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 shut correctly.
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 windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the frame of the window. double glazing repairs near me is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal function. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it 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 replicate the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected 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.
