Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This can also increase 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 can be extremely difficult. This can also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly again.

The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation worse.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key that is hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.

If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping, it might be time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can book a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they could rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than expected. This can lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.

This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.

If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can re-install them when needed.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Make sure the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

Don't forget to double glazing repair-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal function. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unique then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.