Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles don't meet up properly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This can also increase the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps inside the lock. It could also be a security problem in that it can make you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are fortunately quick fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door working properly once more.
Be calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any pieces stuck that could be hindering the flow. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key that is hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object that is thin to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, 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 be used as a hook extractor, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this function. If you don't have any of these items you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. You can request a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder is an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately 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 the hammer or any other tool, but the best method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminum. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the property. They can replace 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 to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not surprising that window handle locks can break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours fails it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be costly and may damage the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the right place. 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 once again.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts inside your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the window frame. The handle is attached to a centre rod that is then activated by a series of cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle is broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can quickly and effectively fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically carried out in a clean environment by skilled technicians.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from operating normally. After this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle it is possible to use a dowel that is the same size to the original. Then, he will make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but If the style of your window is rare then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
