Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be extremely difficult. It could also be a security issue in that it can expose you to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key that is sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch to extract hooks 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 and create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping, it might be the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be the result of many things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open then loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. Be sure to not lose any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If double glazing repair Chelmsford 're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.