Why We Love Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs And You Should Also
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It could also be a security issue because it could expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Keep calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. double glazing repairs or the wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
If the issue is with 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 drafts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components inside the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using another screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the window frames to ensure they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be a very frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part that houses the spindle. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from functioning normally. After that, 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 has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is unique then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.