Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Is your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off within the lock, it can be incredibly difficult. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.

The first step is to remain 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 allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left sticking out, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as hook extractors, and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you don't happen to have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.

If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably time to call in a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder is a serious security threat. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, place the match's tip or wire in the keyway. After this, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is superior to using the hammer, which could harm 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 different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Corrosion can be a cause of fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust, double glazing which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.

Fortunately, this is an easy 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 the home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the problem and repair it correctly.

Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.

Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep them in the same order so you can replace them in the event of a need.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it into place. Do not overtighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

Check that the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.

While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the window doctor frames to ensure that they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.

Luckily there are options to rectify this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually performed in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle could be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician will need a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers offer generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is unique then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be attached to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.