15 Reasons To Not Ignore Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.

It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off in the lock, it can be extremely difficult. It could also be a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door operating correctly.

Be calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.

Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and pull out the last part of the broken key.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or contact us to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When the various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.

Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. This can lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be caused by many things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning 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 can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason for a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.

The issue could be in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.

Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic purposes. You should not 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 order so that you can replace them again if needed.

Then, turn  click to find out more  to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Make sure the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your window after a few times.

Be sure 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 in your home. Also, you could be compromising 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 shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.

Luckily, there are options to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can remove the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism, 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 identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.