10 Things People Hate About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.
Be calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key that is visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. You can also use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and determine what caused it to break. double glazing repair Bexley involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering it from functioning normally. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unique then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.