Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key is snapped inside the lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately simple fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working correctly.

Keep calm. If you panic and begin 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 another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as hook extractors and some 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 them and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.

If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.

If none of these tricks are working you, it's time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.

Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.

Corrosion can be a cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be the result of a number of things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window doctor handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which 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 door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason for the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.

Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, double glazing making sure it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then 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 test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately there are options to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle, Double glazing and then examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.