Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

It's important that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks within a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It could also be a security problem, as it may leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working properly once more.

The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.

If you can't get the broken piece of the 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 tricks are working, it might be the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap 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 end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window replacement lock or door is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.

Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.

Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window in the open position, loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.

Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Screw it into the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.

Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.

After the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. Following this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique then you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.