Is your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't work properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into a lock. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can attempt to fix the issue and get your door functioning correctly.
Keep calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key further into the lock, which could make the situation much worse.
Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating oil, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key that is stuck, grab it with the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, however, be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
double glazing repair near me come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these available, you can use needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually found in most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any water or ice that could be inside the lock.
If none of these methods seem to be helping, it might be the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, place the match's tip or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much better than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause of cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Corrosion is a different cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at greater rates than they should. As time passes, this may also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that give you an additional layer of security against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have intricate mechanisms that wear out as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours fails it may be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.
Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
With the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be sure not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, pull the handle out and take out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and securely screw it into the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Make sure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should work smoothly, and you will be able to open your window once more.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly while you're working with the handle. If they're not closing properly, you could experience damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common 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 acts as an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be an extremely frustrating issue.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this situation. A professional locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can remove the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism where the spindle is. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing 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 inspecting each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.
Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. Following this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unusual then you will need to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be positioned to the handle by lining up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.
