Is your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not lock and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
First, remember to stay calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece come out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that is stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can serve to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't happen to have any of these, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping then it's probably time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at more than they ought to. This can lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. 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 should be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. double glazing near me can even recommend upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it right.
Screwdriver Open the window and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can replace them again if needed.
Then, with an additional screwdriver take the screw off that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can take the handle off and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and test it. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly when you're using the handle. If they're not cause damp and draughts inside your home, as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue.
Luckily there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle may then 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 matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but If the style of your window is unique then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
