7 Things About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It's important that the double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key snaps into the lock. It also poses a security risk, as the door may not lock and make you open to intrusion. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating properly again.

Remember to remain  double glazing repairs . If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.

Spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil, into the lock. This will help the broken piece be removed more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key left sticking out and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors and Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these you can bend a hook with 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 cannot remove the broken piece of key Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture that may be present in the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient method is to make use of a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can hit the lock to break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that can cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminium. When various metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it may create hotspots locally that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they may rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. In time, this could also lead to cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, it could be due to several things. This can result from a defective locking mechanism or misalignment as well as a worn-out handle.

This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the home. Based on your requirements they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and 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 security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours breaks it's difficult to identify the cause of the issue. Make sure that you repair it correctly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.

With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can replace them if needed.

Then, rotate the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and securely screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could cause damage to the handle and window frame.

Close the handle and test it. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able unlock your window.

While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is often the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. 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 window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle is turned, it is likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.

Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently fix this problem. A professional locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel part that houses the spindle. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to 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 components and carefully observing their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in an environment that is clean.

Next, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which might be preventing it from functioning normally. After this, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, if the design 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 has been installed it can be positioned to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.