How To Save Money On Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately simple fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning properly again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another 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 come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it could be due to a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
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 by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts in your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that 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 is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are options to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. After this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take a dowel of a similar 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 damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once double glazing repairs near me is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.