15 Surprising Facts About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not work properly. This increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not be locked and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working correctly.
Keep calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key 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 happen to have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock and break it open. This is better than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your specific needs. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by the cap of the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, using an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly installed, then close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. 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 breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These types of windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.
Luckily there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from functioning normally. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.