Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial 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 fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks in a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. This can also be a security problem in that it can leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few easy fixes you can try to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key that is sticking out, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work well, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually found in most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working you, it's time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. double glazing repair near me can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for the problem and then fix it properly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.