Is your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be a security risk since the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy fixes you can try to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Keep calm. If you panic and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out 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 very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as hook extractors, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of them available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. Luckily, it's an easy repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Then, put the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a hammer that can damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. When the different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they ought to. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this could be due to many things. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that provide an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of a broken window handle lock and then fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be very expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it is the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the right place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often 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 windows require a handle that acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as well as any particular areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is performed in a clean room by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is similar in size to the original. The technician will then drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic substitutes, but if your window design is unusual then you'll need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
