Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to operate. It is crucial that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable price. Snapped Key When a key snaps off inside the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again. Remember 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 help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key left hanging out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway. Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, you can make use of a pair of 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 present in the lock. If none of these tricks are working you, it's the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to 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. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock. The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder. Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. Over time, this can also cause cracks. If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff 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. This is a simple and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that 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 isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for the problem and fix it correctly. Fixing double glazing repair , whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right. Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed. Then, using an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that 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 the right place. Be careful not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame. Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window. While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. Also, you could be compromising 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 common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating problem. There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively address this issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame. Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle. If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact piece. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
double glazing repair
