Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will help the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at all hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems like broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter 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 damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this problem.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Dover window repairs 's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by the cap of the screw 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. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly installed Close the window and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't cause draughts and damp in your home, as well as compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue.
Luckily there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal function. After this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements however if your window style is rare, you will have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it is fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.