Has your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. This can also be a security risk, as it may leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door working correctly.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will help the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that is stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can use a pair tweezers to grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you cannot 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 inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call 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 alter the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to operate. Get a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective method is to employ a long match or piece of wire. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is superior to using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. When the cylinder head and cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they ought to. This can lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. This is 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 can break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the cause of the problem and fix it correctly.
The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. double glazing repairs can be expensive to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it could also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them if needed.
Next, turn the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once this is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the frame. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is usually the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. A professional locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part in which the spindle is. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and determine the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is performed in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or debris that could be hindering its normal functioning. After that the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window design is unique, you will require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.
