Why We Love Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs (And You Should Also!)

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use. It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at an affordable price. Snapped Key If a key is snapped off within a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It can also be a security risk because it could leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and get your door functioning correctly. Keep calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken 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 make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a small piece of the key left sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway. Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the remaining part of the broken key. If you are unable to get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock. If none of these strategies are working you, it's time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online or give us a call to discuss your needs. Broken Cylinder A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is better than using a hammer, which can harm the lock. The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks. Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. Over time, this can cause cracks. If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this problem. Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which give you an extra security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured. double glazing Clacton-on-Sea are complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours breaks it's difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly. Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and the lock of your door. With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary. Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once this is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame. Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times. Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly then you may experience draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust 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 with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem. There are solutions to this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame. After the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically done in a clean environment by skilled technicians. The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle. If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.