Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the window or door handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It can also be a security risk in that it can make you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. Fortunately, there are simple fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working correctly.
First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation much worse.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's still sticking 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 you must be careful not to push the broken key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that may be in the lock.
If none of these methods are working then it's probably time to call a locksmith. double glazing repair can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to use. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith is able to fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of an extended match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may corrosion or rust and cause them to expand more than they would normally. This could lead to cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your property. Depending on your needs they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. 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 will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged it's difficult to determine the source of the problem and make sure you fix it properly.
The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop drafts. When you aren't doing it right, replacing or repairing the handle could be costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.
With the window open, loosen the screw that secures the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement so that it is easier to replace them if needed.
Then, using another screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once this is loose, you should be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, ensuring that it's the same length (you can find them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Check that the new handle is fitted, then close and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they aren't closing properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates cams with a mushroom shape that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
Fortunately there are options to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and determine the cause of the break. This involves disassembling the spindle and examining each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle may be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician will need an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements however if your window design is unique you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact piece. 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 new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.
