Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.

It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off inside the lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and get your door working again.

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

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a small piece of the key that is sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even 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 purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.

If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.

If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Get a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.

The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or double glazing repair corrosion and cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

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

This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be careful not to lose any internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once this is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in place. 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 after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window replacement near me frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If it is being replaced the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual you'll have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.