Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

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

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

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key snaps into a lock. This can also be a security risk in that it can make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door work again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.

Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.

If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify 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 damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can damage the lock.

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

Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

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

This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for the problem and repair it correctly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your upvc repairs near me door and prevent draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.

With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle by using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.

Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Make sure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once again.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. 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 typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, upvc Repairs near Me which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a frustrating problem.

There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.

Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from working normally. After this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, upvc repairs Near me it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unusual then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.