Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window repairs or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off inside the lock, it can be extremely difficult. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door functional again.

Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper 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 then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door Replaced mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. This can cause cracks over time.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.

This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith should be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.

Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them again if needed.

Then, with another screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or replaced at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Do not overtighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

Check that the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once again.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the window frames to ensure that they 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 that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be a frustrating problem.

Luckily there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.

Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to 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 your window style is rare you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact part. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.