Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have 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.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door functioning properly again.
Keep calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left visible, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can 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. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Get a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this using a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra security layer from burglars. Ruislip window repair is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop drafts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it right.
With the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components inside the handle, such as the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is unique then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on 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.