Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.

It is essential that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security problem in that it can expose you to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again.

Remember to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.

If none of these tricks seem to be helping, it might be time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with upvc repair door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can book a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.

Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly, they can rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. In time, this could cause cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.

Then, with another screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and remove 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). Screw it in place. Don't over tighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

Make sure the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.

Don't forget 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 inside your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window doctor company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.

There are ways to fix this issue. A professional 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 portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to find a woodworker 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 with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.