9 Signs You're The Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Expert

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.

You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door working correctly.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.

Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If  double glazing repair  have a part of the key stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. 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 that could serve as a hook extractor, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and 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 the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, position the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could harm the lock.

Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be the result of a number of things. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.

Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.

Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Make sure the new handle is installed, then close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home as well as compromising 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 so they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a very frustrating issue.

Luckily, there are options to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal operation. After this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unusual, you will have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.