10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck into the lock. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not be locked and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work well, but be careful not to push the damaged piece of the key deeper into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that could work in a pinch to extract hooks and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create a hook. Additionally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and pull out the last piece of the key that was broken.
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 in the lock.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can solve problems like broken handles or broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a major security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the block and cylinder head are made of different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.
Corrosion can be a cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly, they can be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of several things. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and cost-effective fix for the majority of double glazing owners. A professional locksmith will usually be able to solve this problem within an hour after arriving at your residence. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and change the gearboxes, based on the specific requirements of your home. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will add an extra 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
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. It can be difficult to determine the reason behind a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Whether the problem is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop the draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and could also harm the frame and the lock of your door.
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, normally concealed by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them in the event of a need.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle using another screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or in hardware stores). Screw it in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could cause damage to the handle or the 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 correctly. If they don't cause draughts and damp in your home, as in addition to compromising your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within the handle is broken, not the handle itself. This is especially 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 central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism does not open when the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this problem. Get Source can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without damage to the handle or the window frame.
After removing the wheel the technician can inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. The process is done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal functioning. After this, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician will need an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual you'll require contacting an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can recreate the exact piece. After the spindle is installed, it is attached to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is in place, you can use your uPVC windows.