Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps into the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door functioning correctly.
Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key left hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. This is usually available at all hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Request a repair for your double glazing via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
double glazing repair damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not maintained properly, this could cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately it is a simple and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and use, so it's not a surprise that they sometimes break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that holds the handle using the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure to not lose any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep double glazing repair in the same order so that it is easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle on the back. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once more.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected 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 fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel part 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 window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. After this the spindle is cleaned, it can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window style is rare then you'll have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it is fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.
