What Will Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Be Like In 100 Years?

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the window or door handles aren't able to connect properly or are difficult to use.

It's important that your double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you will lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. It could also be a security risk, as the door might not lock and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few easy fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow 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 fortunate enough to have a little bit of the key that is hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip, or any other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as hook extractors, and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this use. If you don't happen to have one of these tools then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.

If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles.  double glazing repair  can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. Request a repair for your double glazing through us online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. This can be done using a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using the hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.

The most frequent cause for cylinder head cracks is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. When different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.

Corrosion can be a cause of fractures in cylinders. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, it can result in corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a more than they ought to. This could lead to cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, this can be caused by several things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common causes of this problem.

It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith is able to solve the issue within one hour of arriving at your property. They can fix the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending 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 solution for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional layer of protection from burglars. It is a small cost to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. If yours breaks, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem and make sure that you repair it correctly.

The issue could be with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop drafts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.

With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate. It is typically hidden by the cap of the screw to enhance the appearance. Be sure to not lose any of the internal components inside the handle, for example the plates or levers on either side of the spindle. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it easier to replace them if needed.

Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, 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, take the handle off and remove the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try 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 closing properly. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts in your home. You could also compromise the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure 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 frame of the window. The handle is attached to a centre rod that in turn activates cams that look like mushrooms, they lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned it is likely that the spindle has broken, this can be a frustrating problem.

Luckily, there are options to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.

After the wheel has been removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining every component, observing any damage or excessive wear. This process is usually performed by technicians in a clean environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from working normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician can take an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both parts of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might require replacement completely. Home centres sell generic replacements. However, If the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to contact a wood worker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be fitted to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.