15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It also poses a security risk since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door functional again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key visible it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is far better than using a hammer that can harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a more than they should. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. A defective 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 homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop drafts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
With double glazing repairs open then loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience 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 on the frames of your windows to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Luckily there are ways to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This process is typically performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is unusual then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.