20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

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 use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't work properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off inside a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. This can also be a security problem because it could make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working correctly.
Be calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these tricks are working you, it's time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to break it. This is better than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly, they can rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver: With the window open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in place. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the frames of your windows to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any 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 help get rid of any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from operating normally. Following this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way 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 require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unique then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.