Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't able to connect correctly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at a reasonable cost.
Snapped Key
If a key breaks within a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It's also potentially a security risk since the door might not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. There are fortunately quick fixes that you can use to solve the issue and get your door functioning properly once more.
Be calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key even further into the lock, which could make the situation worse.
Next spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that is stuck out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used to extract hooks and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you do not have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend and create hooks. You can also make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and remove the last bit of the broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It is available at all hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these methods appear to be working then it's probably time to call locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Book a double glazing repair with us online, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose an immediate security risk. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tools, but the most effective method is to employ an extended match or piece of wire. Then, place the end of the match or wire near the keyway. After this, the locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is superior to using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made of various metals like cast-iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. When double glazing repairs near me and cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can lead to rusting or corrosion that could cause them to expand at a higher rate than they should. This can cause 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. Highly recommended Web-site can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment, and also a worn out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. Depending on the needs of your home they can change the locking mechanism, change the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the problem and fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you stop the draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
Screwdriver: With the window open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not lose any internal components inside the handle, such as the levers or plates on either side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can replace them again when needed.
Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is free, you can remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it is the same length as the previous one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Check that the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.
Be sure to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they're not closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is most typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.
There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After the wheel has been removed the technician can then 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 help get rid of any dirt or other debris that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle he can use a dowel that is the same size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unusual then you will need to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact model for you. After the spindle is installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is securely set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.
