Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate. It is crucial that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost. Snapped Key It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It could also be a security issue, as it may leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working properly again. First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse. Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece 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 available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last part of the broken key. If you cannot remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It is found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock. If none of these tricks seem to be helping then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. double glazing window repairs can also reconfigure 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 phone call to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the best method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, put the match's end or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock. Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down 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 a different reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. In time, this could also cause cracks. If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle. It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure. Broken Handle It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly. The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and lock of your door. With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace 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. Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame. Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window. Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they shut correctly. Broken Spindle It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame. After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle. If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare, you will need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.
double glazing window repairs
