Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
You will lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. This can also be a security problem, as it may leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a little bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these items then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. double glazing repair near me can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to use. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap 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's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area 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 properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. In time, this could cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be caused by many things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is 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 operating normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way 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 could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window style is rare, you will need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact component. Once the spindle has been installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.