Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside the lock. This can also be a security issue, as it may expose you to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.

Be calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key that is visible 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 of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping, it might be time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door jere alas mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Get a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.

The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, it can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a more than they should. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.

Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy 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 may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.

Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.

Then, using a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Check that the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism, Jere Alas where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare then you'll need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.