Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. This can also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door operating properly once more.
Be sure to remain 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 make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key that is sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to use. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. When 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 greater rates than they should. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change 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 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
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 allow you to stop draughts. When double glazing repair doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect 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 procedure is typically carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal function. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces 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 completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but If the style of your window is rare then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.