15 Surprising Stats About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.
You'll be wasting energy when your double-glazed doors do not perform as they should. This also increases the risk of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in a lock, it can be incredibly annoying. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and leave you vulnerable to intruders. There are a few quick fixes you can try to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.
Next, double glazing repairs Romford -40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a part of the key still sticking out then grab it using the help of a paperclip or any other thin metal object and pull it. Both of these methods work, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can serve as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this use. If you don't have any of these handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you are unable to remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to contact 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 alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. A locksmith professional can fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer or other tool. The best method is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, place the match's end or wire close to the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much safer than using a hammer that could damage the lock.
Overheating is the most common cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can happen when the cylinder head and block are made of different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.
Corrosion is a different reason for cracks in the cylinder. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained in a timely manner, they can rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than expected. Over time, this can also lead to cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is brittle or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be caused by a number of things. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.
It is a quick and cost-effective fix that a majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and replace the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even recommend upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star euro cylinders TS007 that add an extra layer of security against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have intricate mechanisms which deteriorate over time. It isn't easy to determine the cause of the problem and fix it correctly.
Fixing the broken handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you do it correctly.
Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be careful not to lose any of the internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same order so you can re-install them if needed.
Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take the broken spindle out. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely into place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is installed, then close and test the handle. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience damp or draughts inside your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure that they shut correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle is broken This can be a frustrating problem.
There are ways to fix this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. They can disassemble the window handle by using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is where the spindle is. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
After removing the wheel, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine the cause of the break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This procedure is typically performed by technicians in a clean and safe environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that might be obstructing its normal operation. The spindle can be replaced or repaired. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers can sell generic replacements, but if your window style is rare then you'll have to speak with a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact piece. Once the spindle has been installed, it is connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly installed, you are now ready to operate your uPVC window.