An Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Success Story You'll Never Imagine
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off within a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It can also be a security issue, as it may expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key sticking out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. 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 to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Additionally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present 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 locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us 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 an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is much better than using a hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If window repairs Dover and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-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 that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it to enhance the appearance. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them when needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it into place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise 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 they close properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical 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 a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component 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 has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. After this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unique then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.