Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It can also be a security risk because it could expose you to a burglar if the door is not locked. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door work again.
Keep calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
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 the screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key visible, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, however, be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of various 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.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a more than they should. This could lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. window repairs Rochdale with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price 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 could break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch will 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, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise 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 can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.
Fortunately there are options to remedy this situation. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from operating normally. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.