15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It can also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that's stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. double glazing repair near me of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly they may corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks as time passes.
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 it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. 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, which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the reason for the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
With the window open then loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal parts within the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been 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 in place, you can use your uPVC windows.