Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into the lock. This can also be a security risk in that it can expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door operating properly again.
Keep calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Then spray WD-40 or a different 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 up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a piece of the key that's stuck out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even 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 do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be the result of a number of things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them again when needed.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. double glazing repair near me should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. 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 likely that the spindle is broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily there are options to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.