A Step-By'-Step Guide For Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't work properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. This can also be a security issue in that it can expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come 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 happen to have a bit of the key hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove 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 that can serve as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't happen to have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these strategies appear to be working then it's probably the time to contact locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. 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 reasons. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. double glazing window repairs can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be 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 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.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise 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 usually the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from working normally. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.