Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy in the event that your double-glazed doors fail to function properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It could also be a security problem because it could make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door is not locked. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the problem and get your door operating properly once more.
Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will assist the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a small piece of the key that is hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and jigsaw blades are also suitable for this purpose. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion is another possible cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as the cylinder block aren't properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at more than they ought to. Over time, this can 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 a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock, so it's worth taking the time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically covered by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to damage any of the internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand 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 securely screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken, this can be a very frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel from the area where the spindle is located. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from operating normally. After this the spindle 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 in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique you'll have to speak with an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can make the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once double glazing repairs near me is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.
