Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to work properly. This increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside the lock, it can be extremely difficult. This can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door functioning properly again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you could end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
double glazing repairs have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Additionally, you can use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these strategies seem to be helping, it might be time to call locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can book a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a major security risk. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. double glazing repairs must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to crack it. This is more secure than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. When various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Another possible cause of cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the cylinder head and the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. In time, this could also cause cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical causes of this issue.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the problem and fix it correctly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop drafts. It could be costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that holds the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed.
Then, using a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is loose, take the handle off and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While double glazing repairs working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that triggers the cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this problem. A professional locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the 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 working in an environment that is clean.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. Following this the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but If the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.
