repairing double glazed windows Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

It is crucial that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into the lock. It can also be a security problem because it could make you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly once more.

First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.

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 is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.

If none of these strategies seem to be helping then it's probably time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the Double glaze repair Near me glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Get a double glazed repairs glazing repair via our website or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, place the match's end or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can damage the lock.

The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be the result of many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.

This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glaze repair near me glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Don't over tighten the screw as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Check that the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If it is being replaced the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact component. 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 seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.