Have your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
You will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This can also increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key gets stuck inside a lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and get your door working again.
Keep calm. If you panic and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, making the situation much worse.
Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that's stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that may be inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is far better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder head and cylinder block are not maintained properly, this could lead to rusting or corrosion, which may cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. In time, this could also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. This can result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes based on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to high-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. It isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind the problem and fix it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal components of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace if necessary.
Then, using another screwdriver loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). 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 test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. 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 more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately, there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this issue. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool that can remove the wheel portion of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
After removing the wheel the technician can examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or other debris that might be preventing it from functioning 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, double glazing repair near me will drill matching holes into both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unusual then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact part for you. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.
