Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key snaps into the lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door operating properly again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a bit of the key left hanging out and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that deteriorate with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the problem and fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.
Then, using another screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Screw it in the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
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 may experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/staines-windowrepair/ of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could requir
