20 Fun Facts About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door operating properly again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Then, double glazing repair -40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is still sticking out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire in the keyway. After this, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Based on your requirements, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can re-install them if needed.
Then, with another screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once this is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue.
Luckily there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically carried out in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but if the style of your window is rare then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.