The History Of Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't 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 chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be incredibly annoying.
double glazing repairs near me could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could serve to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, place the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much better than using a hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the problem and repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Ensure the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the window frames to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal operation. Following 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. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unique then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.