This Is The Advanced Guide To Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

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

It's important that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will 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 breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working properly again.

The first step is 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, thereby making the situation worse.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece come out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have one of these tools you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a hammer that can damage the lock.

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

Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. In time, this could also 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 reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.

Fortunately it's a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars.  Altrincham double glazing  is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours is damaged it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace if necessary.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.

Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds 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 rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating problem.

Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle may 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 can't be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact part. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.