double glazed window repair Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up correctly or are difficult to use.

It is essential that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key gets stuck inside the lock. It could also be a security issue because it could leave you vulnerable to a burglar if the door does not lock. There are fortunately simple fixes you can use to solve the issue and get your door operating correctly.

Be sure to remain calm. If you panic and begin poking around wildly you could end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation much worse.

Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or another 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 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 you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable to get the broken piece of key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any water or ice that could be in the lock.

If none of these methods seem to be helping then it's probably the time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with a hammer or other tool, but the most efficient way is to use a long match or piece of wire. The match or wire's end in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is far better than using a hammer, which could damage the lock.

The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made of different metals, like cast iron and aluminum. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.

Another reason that could cause cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they could rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand faster than expected. This can lead to cracks over time.

If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, this can be the result of many things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.

Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazed window repairs glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience 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 that give you an extra layer of protection against burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

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

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you to stop the draughts. If you do not repair double glazed window or replace the handle could be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to do it correctly.

Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, and is normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal components of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them if needed.

Then, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and remove the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the right place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Check that the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

Be sure to double glazing repairs-check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they don't, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges on the window frames to ensure that they close correctly.

Broken Spindle

It is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a central rod that activates a series of mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle is turned, it's likely the spindle is broken. This can be a frustrating problem.

There are solutions to this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently solve the issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that can remove the wheel component of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.

Once the wheel has been removed the technician can then inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this assists in removing any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal functioning. 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 original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare, you will need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle with the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.