14 Common Misconceptions About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. It can also be a security issue because it could expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. There are double glazing repairs near me can use to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a little bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work well, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can damage the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. As time passes, this may also cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase 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 the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod 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 is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.