Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy if your double-glazed doors don't perform as they should. This can also increase the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off within a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door working correctly.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you're fortunate enough to have a small piece of the key left sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like 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. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to fix it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, the most effective method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, place the match's end or wire in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop drafts. If you do not repair or replace the handle could be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not 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 order to make it 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 should be able to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new one, making sure that it's the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Be careful not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed, then close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly when you're using the handle. If they don't close properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of the window frames to ensure that they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel part in which the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will 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 usually done in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from working normally. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If it's being replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements but if the design of your window is unusual then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once double glazing near me is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.
