Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use. It is crucial that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price. Snapped Key When a key snaps off within a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly once more. First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock. Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, however, be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway. Some paperclips come with grooved edges that 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. You can also use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys. If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock. If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock. The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder. Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks. If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue. This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe. Broken Handle Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly. The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop drafts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right. Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need. Then, with another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame. Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window. Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly. double glazing window repairs is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be a very frustrating issue. Luckily there are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window. Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle. If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, 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 attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
double glazing window repairs