Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating properly again.
Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key that's stuck, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key 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 happen to have any of these items you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. double glazing repair near me 's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When different 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 cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace 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 recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer 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 secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window open then loosen the screw that secures the handle using a screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Luckily, there are options to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This process is typically carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal function. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique, you will need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.