Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.

It is essential that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door functional again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key that is visible and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could serve to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.

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

If none of these strategies seem to be helping, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.

Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from 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 faster than the rest.

Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly they may corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. This can cause cracks over time.

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

This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for the problem and then fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.

Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not lose any internal components 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.

Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

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

Make sure to check that your uPVC window doctor near me is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in 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 a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.

Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. 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 and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal function. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unique, you will have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or handles woodworking who can make the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.