15 Surprising Stats About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be a security risk because it could make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can use to solve the issue and get your door working properly once more.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that's stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
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 is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire near the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can cause damage to the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. Over time, this can 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 problem can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with age and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver When the window is open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep double glazing repairs in the same order so that you can replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it into the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly installed Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they aren't closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle and determine the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is typically done in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal operation. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the design of your window is rare then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.