Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism broken? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key is snapped inside a lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and make your door work again.
Keep 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 emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key stuck, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining part of the broken key.
If you cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Get a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. The match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminium. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can lead to cracks over time.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it could be due to many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.
It is a quick and affordable fix that the majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will provide an extra layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and usage, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Whether the problem is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop draughts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing your handle can be expensive and can harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
With the window in the open position, loosen the screw that secures the handle using a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is free, you can pull the handle out and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can find them online or in hardware stores). Screw it into the frame. Do not tighten the screw too much as this can damage the handle and the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your window after a few times.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts in your home as and also affecting the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which locks are inserted into the window frame. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has broken and this could be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this issue. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle and determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically carried out in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal functioning. Following this the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle. The screw holes on the handle with the screws already in the frame. Once the handle is set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.
