Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your upvc repairs near me window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.

It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into a lock. It can also be a security problem because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door working correctly.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key that is sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece 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 them available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.

If none of these tricks seem to be helping then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair through us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Another possible cause of cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to a number of things. This problem can be caused by a faulty 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 solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.

If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and double glazing repair could damage the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.

With the window open then loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed.

Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and double glazing repair test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a frustrating problem.

Luckily there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A professional locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed 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 could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.