Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use. You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price. Snapped Key When a key snaps off within a lock, it could be extremely difficult. It could also be a security issue in that it can leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few easy fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again. The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse. Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another 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 which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys. If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock. If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, place the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock. Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks. Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a more than they ought to. As double glazing window repairs , this may 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 of reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem. Fortunately it's a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able solve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based 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 recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra 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 safe. Broken Handle It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly. The issue could be 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 can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door. With the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components inside the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them if needed. Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame. Make sure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function 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 correctly. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home, as in addition to 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 can shut properly. Broken Spindle It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be a frustrating problem. Fortunately there are options to rectify this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame. Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal functioning. Following this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle. If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window style is rare you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
double glazing window repairs
