Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be incredibly difficult. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and get your door working again.

First, remember to stay 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 come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key 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 these, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.

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

If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure 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 block and the cylinder head are made of various metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause of cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. This can lead to cracks in the future.

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. This issue could be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed.

Then, using a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand double glazing repair new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Screw it into 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. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly then you may experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a very frustrating issue.

Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window doctor's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unique then you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.