Double Glazing Door Lock RepairsHave 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.It is crucial that your double-glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock for a reasonable cost.Snapped KeyWhen a key snaps off in a lock, it can be extremely frustrating. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not lock and could leave you open to intrusion. There are a few easy solutions you can use to repair the issue and get your door working again.Keep calm. If you panic you may 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 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 that's still sticking out, grab it with a paperclip or another thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Finally, you can make use of a pair of tweezers to grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.If you can't get the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. This is usually available at most hardware stores, and it is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.If none of these strategies seem to be helping, it might be time to call in locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly fix problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter the double glazing door mechanisms so that they are simpler to operate. You can schedule repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.Broken CylinderA broken cylinder can be an extremely risky security issue. It's fortunately a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. A locksmith must tap the cylinder to repair it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the end of the match or wire in the keyway. The locksmith can then strike the lock in order to break it. This is better than using a hammer that could cause damage to the lock.The most frequent cause for cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can happen when the block and the cylinder head are made of different metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Different metals can heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localized hotspots to expand faster than the rest of the cylinder.Corrosion is a different cause of cracks in the cylinder. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly, they can rust or corrode and cause them to expand faster than expected. This can cause cracks as time passes.If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. A defective 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 fix this problem within one hour of arriving at the property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can even suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.Broken HandleIt's not surprising that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms that become less effective over time. If yours fails it's difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle can improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. It can be expensive to replace or repair your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle with the screwdriver. It should be located on the inside of the back plate, which is usually covered by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. Be sure to not damage any of the internal parts within the handle, for example the plates or levers that are on the opposite side of the spindle. It is best to keep them in the same order so you can re-install them if needed.Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw on the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle with a second screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be in a position to pull the handle away and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace this with a new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in place. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.Close the handle and test it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able open your window once more.While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't close properly, you may experience damp or draughts inside your home. Also, you could be compromising the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be in a position to adjust the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.Broken SpindleIt is quite common that the spindle in a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle which operates a locking mechanism in the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which activates locks that are shaped like mushrooms and 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 broken, this can be a frustrating problem.Luckily, there are options to fix this problem. A reputable locksmith can swiftly and effectively fix the issue. A good locksmith will be able disassemble the window's handle using a tool to take out the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This can be done without damage to the handle or the window frame.Once the wheel is removed the technician can then inspect the spindle and determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component part, noting any damage or excessive wear. The process is done in a clean environment by highly skilled technicians.Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris which may be obstructing 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 in both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the new spindle is an exact fit with the handle.If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it might need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unusual you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is securely in place, you can use your uPVC windows.