Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not be locked and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the best way is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing double glazing units near me can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop drafts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it replacement double glazed units near me with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able open your window once again.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame double glazed window near me keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove read more the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is unique then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make double glazed units near me the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.