5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know Concerning Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be extremely frustrating. This can also be a security problem, as it may leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few easy solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of these items you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It is available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. Request a repair for your double glazing with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's end or wire near the keyway. double glazing repairs near me can then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once this is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from operating normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique, you will need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.