14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned correctly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock for an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It also poses an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door work again.

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

Next, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to help the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces that are stuck. If you have a chunk of the key still sticking out then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be careful not to push the broken piece of the key deeper into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades also work for this use. If you don't have any of these then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining part of the broken key.

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

If none of these strategies appear to be working, it might be time to call locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a phone call to discuss your requirements.

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 fix it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Position the match or the wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is superior to using a hammer, which can harm the lock.

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

Corrosion is a different reason for cylinder fractures. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This can cause cracks as time passes.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn it could be due to a variety reasons. A faulty locking mechanism, misalignment, or a worn handle are common causes of this issue.

This is a simple and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually solve the issue within one hour of arriving at the property. Based on  double glazing window repairs , they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that provide an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. It can be difficult to determine the reason for the problem and then fix it properly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you stop draughts. If you do not repair 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 make sure you do it right.

With the window in the open position and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally hidden by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. It is important to not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep these in the same order so that you can re-install them when needed.

Then, using a second screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be in a position to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure that it's the same size as the previous one (you can typically find these online or in hardware stores) and 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 try it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows once more.

Don't forget to double-check that your uPVC window is closing properly while you're working with the handle. If they aren't closing properly, you could experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 within the handle breaks, rather than the handle itself. This is especially typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle which acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is broken. This could be a frustrating problem.

Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and efficiently fix this problem. A good locksmith will be able to disassemble the window's handle using a tool that removes the wheel portion in which the spindle is. This is done without damage to the handle or window frame.

After the wheel has been removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting each component part, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically performed in a clean room by highly skilled technicians.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this helps eliminate any dirt or other debris that could be hindering its normal operation. The spindle can then be repaired or replaced. If it's being replaced, the technician can take the dowel that is similar in size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle is precisely matched to the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired it may require replacement. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if the style of your window is unusual then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can replicate the exact model for you. Once the new spindle is installed, it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is firmly seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.