15 Astonishing Facts About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can use to solve the problem and get your door working properly once more.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to 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. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. In time, this could cause cracks.
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 causes. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.
With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. It is not recommended to be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten double glazing window repairs as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as and also affecting 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 are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. 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 an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any particular areas of wear or damage. This process is typically carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from functioning normally. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is unique then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.