Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Is your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use. You'll lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost. Snapped Key If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. It can also be a security issue, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door functional again. The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation worse. Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key that is sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges that 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 hooks. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys. If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock. If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock. The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks. Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. This could lead to cracks in the future. If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle. This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure. Broken Handle It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it's difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you 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 reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and lock of your door. Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need. Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. 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 on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame. Check that the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again. While you're working on the handle, be sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly. Broken Spindle It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating problem. There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame. After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal functioning. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If double glazing repair being replaced, the technician could use 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 will fit perfectly with the handle. If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unusual then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact component. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.
double glazing repair
