double glazing repair Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.

You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key snaps into a lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and get your door working again.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that's still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't happen to have any of these then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken key.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems 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. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is superior to using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could rust or corrode and cause them to expand more than they would normally. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will 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 safe.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.

With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.

Then, with an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window doctor company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame 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 issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.