14 Common Misconceptions About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC window or door mechanism faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It can also be a security risk in that it can leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are a few easy solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these strategies appear to be working, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tools, but the most effective method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at more than they ought to. In time, this could cause cracks.
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 issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with time and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind the problem and repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
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Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 so they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a centre rod 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 fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are options to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is performed in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. After that the spindle is cleaned, it 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. double glazing repairs near me will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual you'll have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.