Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.

You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks within the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It can also be a security problem because it could expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again.

Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key hanging out, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.

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

If you're unable to pull 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 that may be present within the lock.

If none of these tricks appear to be working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or Window Doctor call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or window doctor piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a hammer, which could harm the lock.

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

Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a greater rates than they ought to. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.

This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

window doctor handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent 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 the lock of your door.

With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure to not lose any internal components within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them in the event of a need.

Then, with another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

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

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

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 which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.

There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of 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 debris which could be hindering it from functioning normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers 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 part for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached 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.