What's Holding Back The Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Industry? Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to perform as they should. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key


If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be extremely frustrating. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can use to solve the issue and get your door functioning correctly.

Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.

Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key that is hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work well, however, be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the end of the match or wire in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.

Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at more than they should. As time passes, this may cause cracks.

If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.

Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.

Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop drafts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.

Then, using an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

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

While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating issue.

There are Ashford window repairs to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal operation. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.