14 Common Misconceptions About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard 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 repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off within a lock, it could be incredibly frustrating. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can try to resolve the issue and get your door operating properly again.

Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to 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 are also well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.

If you are unable to remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present in the lock.

If none of these tricks are working then it's probably time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to use a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a hammer that can harm the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause of cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If  double glazing repairs near me  and head are not maintained correctly, they can corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than expected. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of a number of things. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the problem and then fix it properly.

Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. This 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 to not lose any internal parts within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.

Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can damage the handle and the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't 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, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a very frustrating issue.

There are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that might be obstructing its normal functioning. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unique then you'll have to speak with an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. 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 in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.