Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you do not have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Request a repair for your double glazing with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. window repairs Margate will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to use an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is better than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a more than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
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 it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is fitted Close the window and test the handle. 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 shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
Fortunately, there are ways to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal function. Following this the spindle can 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 matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare you'll have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact part. Once the new spindle is in place it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.