A Step-By-Step Guide To Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.

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

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be a security problem, as it may leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning properly once more.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.

Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.

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

If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.


Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. double glazing repairs near me or the wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.

Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.

Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This can cause cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.

Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and lock of your door.

With the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal parts within the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.

Then, using another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.

Luckily, there are options to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.

Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.