Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window Doctor handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.

It is essential that your double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at reasonable costs.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. This can also be a security risk, as it may leave you vulnerable to burglars if your door is not locked. There are a few easy solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door work again.

Keep calm. If you panic you may end up pushing the broken key further into the lock.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be blocking the way. If you have a piece of the key stuck and is not being removed, grab it with a paperclip or another 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 further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve to extract hooks, and some Jigsaw blades also work for this purpose. If you don't have any of them handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. 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 piece of key Use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request an appointment online for a double-glazing repair or call us to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily repair the cylinder. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, put the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.

Overheating is the most common reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest.

Corrosion is a different cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can result in corrosion or rust, which may cause them to expand at a greater rates than they should. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window replacement or door lock is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common causes of this issue.

Fortunately it is a simple and affordable fix for the majority of homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith should be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on your particular requirements. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes from knowing that your uPVC doors are secure.

Broken Handle

It's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.

Fixing your broken handle, whether it's the internal latch or the locking mechanism, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.

With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by an eye-catching cap to conceal it for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to lose any internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that 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 by using a second screwdriver. Once this is released, you'll be able to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it is the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Don't over tighten the screw because this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able open your window once again.

While you're working on the handle, don't forget to ensure that your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly cause damp and draughts in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they close properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break than the handle. This is especially common in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as a locking device in the window frame. The handle is attached to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has been damaged This can be a very frustrating issue.

Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism where the spindle is. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing it from operating normally. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician will need 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 spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement completely. Home centers can sell generic replacements however if your window doctor design is unusual then you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact part. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frame's existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.