Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It can also be a security issue in that it can make you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to fix the problem and get your door working again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key stuck, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as hook extractors, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these strategies appear to be working you, it's time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When the various 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 possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able solve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it right.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
Make double glazing repairs near me to check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal functioning. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, 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.