Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

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

It is essential that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off within a lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. This can also be a security issue in that it can make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to fix the problem and make your door functional again.

Be calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.

Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key that is sticking out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.

If none of these strategies appear to be working then it's probably the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is better than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.

The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.

Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can rust or corrode and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience 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, which offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop drafts. It is costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them when needed.

Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window after a few times.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or double glazing draughts in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.

There are solutions to this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and window doctor efficiently fix 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 can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. Following this the spindle could 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 make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle can't be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.