Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable price.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck inside a lock. It can also be a security issue because it could expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again.

Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and start doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation worse.

Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key still sticking out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful 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 some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It is available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must 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's end close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can damage the lock.

The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another possible cause of cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may rust or corrode and cause them to expand more than they would normally. This could lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and glazing requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.

Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which provide an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

window doctor handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.

The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop the draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted, then close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they're not cause damp and draughts inside your home, as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually 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 which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window replacement. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.

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 component components and carefully observing their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from functioning normally. Following this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements however if your window design is unique you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.