Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window doctor or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It is essential that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks inside a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working correctly.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even 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 handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire near the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can damage the lock.

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

Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks.

If your upvc window repairs window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.

This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for 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 intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.

The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may damage 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 that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.

Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.

There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to 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 ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.