Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
It is essential that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be extremely frustrating. It's also potentially a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and get your door working again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a part of the key that's stuck then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, 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 piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods are working you, it's the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair 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. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When the various 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.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This can lead to cracks over time.
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 reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
Fortunately Highly recommended Online site 's a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It isn't easy to determine the cause of a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able open your window once again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal function. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.