Whats Holding Back From The Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Industry

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

If a key is snapped off within the lock, it can be extremely annoying. It could also be a security risk since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.

Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist 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 fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.





Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tools, but the most effective method is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.

Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. This can cause cracks over time.

If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.

Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.

With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.

Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace double glazing repair with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once again.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise 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 they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical 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 centre rod that is then activated by a series of cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating issue.

Luckily there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively address this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact part for you. After the spindle is 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 securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.