15 Astonishing Facts About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not work properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but 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 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 remove the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working, it might be time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When double glazing repair Ealing are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be caused by several things. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal parts within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace this with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from operating normally. After that the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.