Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use. You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost. Snapped Key It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few easy fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door functional again. The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock. Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken. If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock. If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using the hammer, which could damage the lock. The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder. Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. As time passes, this may also cause cracks. If your uPVC door or window lock 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 the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem. This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure. Broken Handle Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly. Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace 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, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order 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 with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in 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 try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once again. While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they close correctly. Broken Spindle It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating. Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window. Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually done in a clean environment by skilled technicians. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal function. double glazing repairs may then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle. If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws 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 repairs
