Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.

You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck into the lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning properly again.

Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left hanging out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and remove the remaining 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. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.

If none of these methods are working, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.

Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, local TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it's difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover 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. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.

Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window replacement frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.

Be sure to double-check that your upvc repairs near me window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts and damp in your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the window frames to ensure that they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

Luckily there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal operation. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare, you will require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.