Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It could also be a security problem in that it can make you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working properly once more.
Be calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that might be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that's stuck out, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper 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 items, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these strategies appear to be working then it's probably the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to operate. You can request a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a more than they ought to. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of causes. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on your specific needs. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It can be expensive to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using another screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once this is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If double glazing repairs Chingford don't close 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 so they are able to 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 which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any dirt or debris that might be obstructing its normal operation. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it is connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.