Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism started to fail? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. window repairs Putney will be able to repair your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
When a key snaps off in a lock, it could be incredibly annoying. It's also potentially a security risk since the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few easy fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door functional again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Spray WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant, into the lock. This will allow the broken piece to emerge more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any stuck pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you have a piece of the key that is still sticking 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 damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as a hook extractor and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the remaining piece of the key that was broken.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece 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 strategies seem to be helping, it might be the time to contact a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms to ensure that they are simpler to use. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder can pose a serious security threat. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. A locksmith will have to tap the cylinder to repair it. They can do this with a hammer or other tools, but the most effective way is to use a long match or piece of wire. Position the match or the wire end near the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to crack it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could damage the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, such as cast iron and aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool off at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another possible cause for cracks in the cylinder is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner they may be corroded or rust, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. This could lead to cracks in the future.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires an enormous amount of pressure to turn, it can be the result of a number of things. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this problem.
This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the home. They can replace the locking mechanisms, or replace the window handles and replace the gearboxes, based on your particular requirements. A skilled locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional security layer from burglars. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks can break. They have intricate mechanisms that become less effective over time. It isn't easy to determine the reason behind the problem and fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. It is costly to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also damage the frame and lock of your door.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw holding the handle using a screwdriver. The screw should be on the inside of the backplate, which is usually concealed by a screw cap to enhance the appearance. Be sure not to lose any internal components within the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle in the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it into place. Do not tighten the screw too much because this could damage the handle and the window frame.
Make sure the new handle is installed Close the window and test the handle. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once more.
While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside 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 they close correctly.
Broken Spindle
It is quite common that the spindle within a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These types of windows require a handle that is a lock mechanism that is located in the frame of the window. The handle is attached a central rod which activates mushroom-shaped locking cams that secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle has been damaged, this can be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool to take out the wheel portion that houses the spindle. This is done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician can inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in an environment that is clean.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from operating normally. The spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take 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 spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers can sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual you'll need to contact an expert in cabinet making or woodworking who can make the exact component. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by lining up the holes for screws in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the new handle is seated you will be ready to operate your uPVC window.