So , You've Bought Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs ... Now What?

double glazed repairs Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? 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 function properly. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key snaps inside the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning properly once more.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have one of these tools, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining part of the broken key.

If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your repairing double glazed windows glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they could be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it could be due to a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glaze repair glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. It can be expensive to repair double glazed window or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.

Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside 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 are able to shut properly.

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 that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a frustrating problem.

There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism, where 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 then inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal function. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into 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 centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unique then you'll have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.