Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard 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 price. Snapped Key It can be frustrating when a key snaps inside the lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door functioning correctly. Remember to remain calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation much worse. Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful 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 are also well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last piece of broken keys. If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present in the lock. If none of these tricks are working, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective method is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock. Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks. Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This could lead to cracks as time passes. 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. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue. Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure. Broken Handle Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly. Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly. Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary. Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the correct position. 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 to unlock your window. Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside 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 on the window frames to ensure that they shut properly. Broken Spindle It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue. Luckily there are ways to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame. Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. 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 assists in removing any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. He will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle. If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements but if the style of your window is unique then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
double glazing repair
