Is your uPVC door or window mechanism faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to operate.
It is essential that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It can also be a security issue because it could make you vulnerable to burglars if your door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.
Remember to remain calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation worse.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key left visible it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and remove 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 which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers that bend to create a hook. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present within the lock.
If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to operate. You can schedule a double-glazing repair online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must 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. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a hammer that could harm the lock.
Overheating is the main cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When the various metals are heated and cool at different rates, it can cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks in the future.
If double glazing repairs or door lock is stiff and requires a lot of pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of causes. This issue could be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately it's a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith is able to solve this issue within an hour of arriving at the home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes based on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that become less effective as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they can break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism will increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it right.
With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal parts within the handle, like the plates or levers that are on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Then, with a second screwdriver take the screw off that connects the handle to the spindle in the back. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Be careful not to tighten too much as this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your window once again.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut properly while you're working with the handle. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on the frames of your windows to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that is then activated by a series of mushroom-like locking cams, these secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This could be a problem that is frustrating.
There are solutions to this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. They will be able to disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel part of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is usually performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from operating normally. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements, but if the style of your window is rare then it will be necessary to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Line up the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.
