Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Is your uPVC Window Doctor or door mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.

You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key is snapped inside a lock. It could also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.

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

Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.

If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door Window Doctor mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the best method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could harm the lock.

The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. This can cause cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your upvc repairs double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.

Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.

Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

There are ways to fix this problem. 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 take out the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working 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. After this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.

If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers offer 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 is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.