Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key snaps into the lock. It can also be a security issue, as it may make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of the key left visible and you want to remove it, use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you can't get 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 within the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to fix it. They can do this using an hammer or another tool, but the most efficient way is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's end or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock to crack it open. This is better than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and the cylinder head are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminum. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of fractures in cylinders. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder 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 can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra 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 secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours fails, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's the internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing the handle could be expensive and can damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, with another screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can buy them on the internet or in hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close properly, you could experience 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 alter the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle inside the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod which triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing it from operating normally. After this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure 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 centers sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part 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 with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.
