Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows or doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key snaps inside the lock. This can also be a security risk because it could make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can try to resolve the issue and make your door functional again.

Be calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will assist the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to help break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. 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 metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the remaining part of the broken key.

If you cannot remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it could be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks such as snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are more easy to use. Book a double glazing repair through us online or Double glazing Repair give us a call to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder, locksmiths will need to tap it. They can do this with an hammer or another tool, but the best way is to make use of a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to break it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than anticipated. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety of reasons. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve the issue within an hour after arriving at your residence. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate as time passes and use, so it's not a surprise that they can break. It can be difficult to determine the reason for a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's an internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may harm the door's frame as well as lock It is therefore worth taking some time to do it correctly.

Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, usually concealed by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can replace them again when needed.

Then, with another screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle at the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Do not overtighten the screw because this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted, then close and test the handle. It should function smoothly and you'll be able open your window after a few times.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're using the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. Also, you could be compromising 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 so they shut correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle in the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that operates an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating issue.

There are ways to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians in an environment that is clean.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any dirt or debris that might be hindering its normal function. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician could use the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has precisely matched to the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centres sell generic replacements, but if the design of your window is unusual then it will be necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact part for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.