Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

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

It is crucial that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.

Keep calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be hindering the flow. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.

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

If you cannot remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. 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 you, it's time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair through us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.

Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith can usually solve this issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is 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 intricate mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.

Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it right.

Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually hidden by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.

Then, rotate the handle 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 another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not then you may experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. 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 more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle has been damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.

There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician can examine the spindle and Double Glazing identify the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is usually carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal functioning. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.

If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unusual you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can replicate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.