15 Surprising Stats About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into the lock. It could also be a security risk since the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are fortunately simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working correctly.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left visible and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both 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, which can be used as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. 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 is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these tricks appear to be working then it's probably time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Request a repair for your double glazing with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done with the hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to make use of 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 break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If double glazing repairs near me and head are not maintained correctly they could rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be caused by a number of things. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace 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 on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate. It is typically concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able open your window once more.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken and this could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. After this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.