Five Things Everybody Gets Wrong About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to operate.

You will lose energy if your double-glazed doors don't function properly. This also increases the likelihood of burglaries. Owen the Locksmith can fix your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

It can be frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. This can also be a security problem because it could expose you to an intruder if the door is not locked. There are a few quick fixes you can try to repair the issue and get your door working again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.

Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to make the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also use a screwdriver to break off any pieces that are stuck. If you're lucky enough to have a little bit of the key left hanging out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and then pull it out. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as a hook extractor and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this function. If you do not have any of these handy, you can use needle-nose pliers to bend and create a hook. Finally, a pair of tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.

If you are unable remove the broken piece of key then you can use a lock deicer. It's available in many hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present inside the lock.

If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them more user-friendly. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your needs.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. It's a good thing that it's a simple repair for a professional locksmith to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. They can do this using an hammer or another tools, but the most effective way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Then, position the match's tip or wire in the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is much better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.

Overheating is the primary cause of cylinder heads cracking. This can occur when the cylinder head and block are made from different metals such as cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals will heat up and cool down at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand faster than the rest.

Corrosion is a different reason for fractures in cylinders. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained correctly they may rust or corrode, which can cause them to expand more than they would normally. In time, this could cause cracks.

If your uPVC window or door lock is brittle and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism or misalignment or a worn-out handle.

This is a straightforward and affordable fix that the majority of homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith can usually fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs 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 advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders, which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It is a small cost to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that wear out with time and use, so it's no surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged it's difficult to identify the cause of the issue and make sure you fix it correctly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, repairing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security and help you stop the draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could cause damage to the door's frame and lock and frame, so it's worth spending some time to do it right.





Screwdriver Open the window, loosen the screw holding the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, and is normally hidden by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components inside the handle, like the levers or plates on the opposite side of the spindle. Ideally, keep these in the same place so you can replace them when needed.

Then, using an additional screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the handle to the spindle at the back. Once the screw is released, you'll be capable of pulling the handle away and pull out the broken spindle. Replace this with a new one, ensuring it's the same length as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and screw it securely into the correct position. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your window after a few times.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they're not closing properly cause draughts and damp in your home as in addition to compromising the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they can shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more likely for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is especially common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These kinds of windows require a handle that acts as a locking mechanism within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that in turn activates cams that resemble mushrooms, which secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism does not open after the handle has been turned, it is most likely the spindle is damaged. This can be a problem that is frustrating.

Fortunately there are ways to fix this problem. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently repair this problem. A reputable locksmith will be able disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel portion where the spindle is located. This can be done without damage to the handle or window frame.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify the cause of the break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition, as well as any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians working in a clean and safe environment.

The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This helps eliminate any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal functioning. The spindle may be replaced or repaired. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is comparable in size to the original. Then, he will drill holes that are identical to both pieces. This will ensure that the new spindle is a precise fit with the handle.

If double glazing window repairs damaged spindle is beyond repair, it may be required to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unusual then you'll need to contact a cabinet maker or woodworker who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the screw holes on the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.