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.

You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.

Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as hook extractors and 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, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these strategies appear to be working, it might be time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.

Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing repair glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra security layer from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.

Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them when needed.

Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that 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 is broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually 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 dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal operation. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to 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 fits perfectly with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been 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 seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.