Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it can be extremely annoying. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy fixes you can try to fix the problem and get your door working again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key that is still sticking out then grab it using 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 come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working you, it's time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can 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 and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they could be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. It is costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them when needed.
Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. window repair Kingsbury can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use 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 spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.