Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

It is essential that the double glazing near me glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off in a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It also poses a security risk since the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.

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

Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

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

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these tricks appear to be working then it's probably the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.

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

Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. 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, Local this can be the result of many things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.

This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace them if needed.

Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Check that the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not cause damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, local such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. 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 debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window repairs is unique then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.