15 Reasons To Not 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 handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside the lock. It could also be a security issue, as it may make you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can try to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key that is still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull 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 work in a pinch as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they should. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. shoreham-by-sea Double Glazing Door Repairs is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical 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 an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal function. After this the spindle is cleaned, it 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 new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.