Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It could also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working properly again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a little bit of the key left sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at greater rates than they ought to. This could lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or here an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star get more info TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors more info are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with age and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace double glazed near me them in the event of a need.
Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't close properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the double glazing repairs near me window.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is typically 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 dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. The spindle can then 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 will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.