11 Strategies To Completely Redesign Your Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.

You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks within a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not be locked and could leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working properly once more.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation worse.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.

double glazing repairs have 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 handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is more secure than using a hammer, which can cause damage to the lock.

The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.


Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks.

If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.

Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection 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 have intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails it's difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it right.

Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them if needed.

Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace this with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts inside your home as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most 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 rod in the centre that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating problem.

There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean room by skilled technicians.

Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is unique then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.