Five Tools That Everyone In The Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Industry Should Be Utilizing
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning properly again.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed 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 small piece of the key that is visible and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. 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 can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working, it might be the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the best way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by several things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with age and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
If the issue 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. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, with another screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't then you may experience draughts and damp in your home as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.