Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use. It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at an affordable price. Snapped Key It can be a hassle when a key snaps into the lock. It can also be a security issue because it could make you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door functional again. Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult. Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper 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 do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys. If you are unable remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock. If none of these tricks seem to be helping then it's probably time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock. The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. When different 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 reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. Over time, this can cause cracks. If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue. This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure. Broken Handle Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue 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 improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly. With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed. Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame. Ensure the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window once more. While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in 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 to ensure they are able to shut properly. Broken Spindle It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue. There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window. After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians. Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If double glazing repair is being replaced the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle. If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unusual, you will have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.
double glazing repair
