Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.

You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks within the lock, it can be incredibly annoying. This can also be a security risk, as it may leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and get your door working again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left sticking out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.

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

If none of these solutions seem to work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to use. Get a double glazing repair via our website or give us a 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. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's end or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.

The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or 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 can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. In time, this could also lead to cracks.

If your upvc repairs window or door lock is stiff and requires 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, and also a worn out handle.

This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.

The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually hidden by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Then, with a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more.

Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the 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 possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.

Luckily there are ways to rectify this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is rare then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.