20 Tips To Help You Be More Effective At 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 handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you open to intrusion. There are a few quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key that's stuck, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is superior to using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they could rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be the result of many things. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add 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 safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once double glazing repair is loose, you can pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.