20 Tips To Help You Be More Efficient At Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped into a lock. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy solutions you can use to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you happen to have a little bit of the key left visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could be used as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these items, you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair tweezers to grab and pull out the last bit of the broken keys.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix problems such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. After double glazing window repairs , the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a more than they should. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common reasons for this issue.
This is a simple and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs 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 inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price 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 may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle using a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can usually find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Check that the new handle is installed after which you can close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't cause damp and draughts in your home as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached 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 when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately there are ways to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel part that houses the spindle. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle, he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. He will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unique, you will need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.