Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use. You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at a reasonable cost. Snapped Key It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not lock and make you open to intrusion. There are a few quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and get your door working again. The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock. Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck, grab it with 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 further into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. You can also use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys. If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's end or wire in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock. Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks. Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly, they can be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can cause cracks as time passes. If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle. Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure. Broken Handle Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and repair it correctly. If the issue is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and the lock of your door. With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. Be careful not to lose any 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 you can replace them again if needed. Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame. Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more. While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise 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 so they are able to shut properly. Broken Spindle It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. double glazing repairs near me is attached a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating. Fortunately there are ways to rectify this issue. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window. After the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room 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 operation. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it is being replaced the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle. If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique then you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.
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