10 Things Everybody Hates About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a piece of the key still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most 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 could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire end near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could harm 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, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be caused by many things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not cause draughts and damp in your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most typical 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 secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal function. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.