Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.

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

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and get your door working again.

Keep calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.

Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left sticking out, you can 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 broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could serve as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with upvc repairs near me door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.

This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.

Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can re-install them when needed.

Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.

Be sure to double-check that your upvc repairs near me window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they don't close properly, you could 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 can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately, there are options to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from working normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it is attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.