Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning properly once more.

Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.

If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these tricks appear to be working, it might be the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's end or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. Over time, this can also 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 reasons. 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 double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith 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 provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.

If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.

Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the window doctor frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be 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 and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.

Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. After this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual, you will have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.