So You've Bought Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs ... Now What? Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.

You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It can also be a security risk in that it can make you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating correctly.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.

Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they could be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. Over time, this can cause cracks.

If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

With the window in the open position, loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be sure 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 order so you can re-install them when needed.

Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace double glazing repairs with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as 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 in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a frustrating problem.

Luckily there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without causing any damage to 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 disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the original 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 might require replacement. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design 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 is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.