The Biggest Problem With Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs, And How You Can Repair It
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
It's important that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It could also be a security risk since the door may not be locked and make you open to intrusion. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a bit of the key left visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. 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 be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working, it might be time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to use an extended match or piece of wire. double glazing Kettering or the wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it's 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 improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it right.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able open your window after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside a 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 window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. 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 centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. 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 the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.