The Advanced Guide To Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. It could also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. There are fortunately simple fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door working properly again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Next, 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 a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If double glazing repairs happen to have a little bit of the key visible it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or broken 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 book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at a more than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that holds the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp 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 of your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal function. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces 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 replacements. However, if the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.