Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks in the lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It also poses an issue for double glazing repair security, since the door might not lock and leave you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door working properly once more.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you're fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key that is hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the broken piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you don't have one of these tools then 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 are unable to remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. Book a double glazing repair via our website or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, place the match's end or wire near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using a hammer that could damage the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.

Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. This could lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.

This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on your specific needs. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional 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 secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with age and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours breaks it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.

The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.

With the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle with a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.

Then, using a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Make sure the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window replacement once more.

Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside 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 so they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle inside the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod which in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a frustrating problem.

Fortunately there are ways to remedy this situation. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any dirt or other debris that might be hindering its normal functioning. After that the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is the same size to the original. The technician will then drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but if the design of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.