Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely annoying. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not lock and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door repair functional again.

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

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using a hammer, which can damage the lock.

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

Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they may rust or corrode and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks over time.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.

Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop drafts. It could be costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.

Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Check that the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.

Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more typical 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 a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from functioning normally. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If it is replaced, the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.

If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.