Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use. It is crucial that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price. Snapped Key It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps inside the lock. This can also be a security problem, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door operating correctly. Remember to remain calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation worse. Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a bit of the key that is visible, 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, however, be careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway. Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken. If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock. Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder. Corrosion can be a cause of fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than anticipated. This could lead to cracks in the future. If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue. This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe. Broken Handle It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly. Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It is costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and lock of your door. With the window in the open position, loosen the screw holding the handle by using a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed. Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame. Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window. Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience damp or draughts 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 on your window frames to ensure that they close correctly. Broken Spindle It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into 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 This can be a very frustrating issue. Fortunately there are ways to remedy this situation. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame. Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal operation. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle. If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.
double glazing repair
