Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door work again.

Be calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key that is visible, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.

If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can 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. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with 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 near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.

Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.

It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window doctor handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.

With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC Window doctor Near Me is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most typical in 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 to a centre rod that is then activated by a series 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's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.

If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.