15 Reasons Not To Ignore Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It can also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
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 stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key that is hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't happen to have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be caused by many things. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with time and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If double glazing repair near me breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window open then loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its 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 process is typically done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unusual you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.