Are your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable price.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door might not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door operating correctly.
Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a piece of the key that's stuck out and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these items then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grip and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you can't get the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It is 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 strategies appear to be working, it might be time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify 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 damaged cylinder poses an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to repair the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the most effective method is to use a wire or a long match. Then, position the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. double glazing repairs near me is much safer than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock.
The most common cause of cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, leading to cracks.
Corrosion can be a reason for fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can lead to rusting or corrosion and cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will always be able advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very expensive and could damage the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using the screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be careful not to lose any internal components within the handle, such as the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them again in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Check that the new handle is correctly installed Close the window and test the handle. The hope is that it will function smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.
Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they're not then you may experience damp and draughts in your home as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is most likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a frustrating problem.
Fortunately there are options to remedy this situation. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel from the area in which the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from working normally. Following this the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle fits perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the style of your window is unique then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.
