Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into a lock. It could also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are
repairmywindowsanddoors of quick fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Be calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can work in a pinch as hook extractors and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be in the lock.
If none of these strategies appear to be working you, it's the time to contact locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an immediate security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best method is to use an extended match or piece of wire. Then, place the match's end or wire close to the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could damage the lock.
The most common cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained properly, they can be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than they would normally. In time, this could cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that wear out over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can 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 that fixes it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to 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.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.