3 Reasons Your Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are you experiencing issues with your uPVC door or window mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.

Acton window repairs  will lose energy when your double-glazed doors do not function properly. This also increases the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

When a key snaps off in a lock, it could be extremely difficult. It can also be a security risk, as it may expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are fortunately quick fixes you can attempt to fix the problem and get your door functioning properly again.

The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.

Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break any pieces that are stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key that is visible and you want to remove it, make use of a paperclip, or any other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and remove it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the damaged key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grab and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you're unable to pull the broken piece of key out, try using a lock de-icer. It's usually found in most hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.

If none of these solutions work, it could be time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems with uPVC door locks and mechanisms that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also reconfigure the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are more easy to operate. Get a double glazing repair with us online or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A broken cylinder can be a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to employ a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith can then hit the lock to crack it. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that can harm the lock.

Overheating is the primary reason behind cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder block and head are made of various metals, including cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest.

Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained properly they could rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than expected. This could lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC door or window lock is brittle or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to several things. This problem can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment and also a worn out handle.

Fortunately it is a simple and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith will typically be able solve this issue within a matter of hours after arriving at your residence. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A skilled locksmith will always be able to provide you with a recommendation of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will give you an additional layer of security against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the security that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with age and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged, it can be difficult to determine the source of the issue. Make sure you fix it correctly.

The issue could be related to the locking mechanism inside or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be very expensive and can cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to make sure you do it right.

Screwdriver: With the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by the cap of the screw for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to not damage any of the internal components within the handle, for example the plates or levers on the opposite side of the spindle. Keep them in the same order to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Then, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten as this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

While you're working on the handle, be sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as in addition to compromising 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 close properly.

Broken Spindle

It is usually the case that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common 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 triggers the mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open after the handle has been turned, it is likely the spindle has been damaged. This can be a frustrating issue.

Luckily there are options to fix this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A reputable locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to remove the wheel part where the spindle is located. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel, the technician can inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its constituent parts and meticulously noting their general condition as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is usually done in a clean environment by skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If it's being 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 new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact part. After the spindle is installed, it is fixed to the handle. The screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the new handle is firmly in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.