What's Holding Back The Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Industry?

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key is snapped inside a lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to repair the issue and get your door working again.

Be calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a small piece of the key left hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Request  double glazing window repairs  for your double glazing via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is much better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.

The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. This could lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.

This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

With the window open then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it is the same length as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Make sure the new handle is correctly installed after which you can close and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able open your window once again.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a very frustrating issue.

There are ways to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes however if your window design is unique then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can make the exact part. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.