Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use. 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 repair your door lock at an affordable cost. Snapped Key If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door functioning correctly. Keep calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock. Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If double glazing window repairs don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key. If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock. If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair through us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is much better than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock. Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different 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. Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. This could lead to cracks as time passes. If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this issue. This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra 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 Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly. Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop drafts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and the 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, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts 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, with an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame. Check that the new handle is correctly fitted, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more. While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly. Broken Spindle It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a frustrating problem. Luckily there are ways 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 component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window. After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal function. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle. If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unusual, you will have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.
double glazing window repairs
