Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. This can also be a security problem in that it can expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working correctly.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse.

Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key that is hanging out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as hook extractors and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.

If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.

If none of these tricks are working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, jerealas.top (he has a good point) the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could harm the lock.

The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.

Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. This can lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.

It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. 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 improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it right.

With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.

Next, turn the handle to make it 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 this is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once more.

While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the window frames to ensure they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached 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 after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the 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 typically carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual, you will require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.