Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It can also be a security problem because it could expose you to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a few quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key that is visible, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at more than they should. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based 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 suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and can damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into 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. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts inside 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. double glazing window repairs require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this 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.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare, you will have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact part. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.