Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use.

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

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and replace get your door operating properly once more.

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

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

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

If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, Window doctor near Me it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Corrosion is a different cause of cylinder fractures. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

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

Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.

If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.

With the window open then loosen the screw that secures the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.

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

While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as 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 more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged This can be a very frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used 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 an exact fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the design of your window doctor near me is unusual then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.