Notes

15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Perhaps the door or window handles don't meet up properly or are hard to use.

It's important that your double-glazed doors function smoothly, or else you will lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable price.

Snapped Key

If a key breaks inside a lock, it can be extremely difficult. It's also potentially a security risk, as the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick solutions you can use to resolve the issue and make your door work again.

First, remember to stay calm. If you get scared and start poking around wildly you may end up pushing the damaged piece of the key even further into the lock, thereby making the situation even more difficult.

Next 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 up any pieces stuck. If you're fortunate enough to have a bit of the key left sticking out it, you can use a paperclip or some other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both of these methods work well, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key even further into the keyway.

Some paperclips have grooved edges, which can be used as hook extractors and some Jigsaw blades can also be used for this purpose. If you don't have one of these tools then you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers is a good way to grasp and remove the remaining piece of the key that was broken.

If you are unable remove the broken piece of key, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture that may be present in the lock.

If none of these methods seem to be helping you, it's the time to contact locksmith. Fitlocks experts can quickly resolve issues with uPVC door mechanisms and locks that have snapped keys as well as broken handles. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to allow them to operate more easily. Book a double glazing repair via our website, or give us a call to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses an immediate security risk. Luckily, it's an easy repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To repair the cylinder, locksmiths must tap it. This can be done with a hammer, or any other tool. The best method is to use a wire or a long match. Place the match or wire's end close to the keyway. The locksmith will then hit the lock to crack it. This is better than using a hammer, which can harm the lock.

The most common cause of cracks in the cylinder head is overheating. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. Different metals will be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest of the cylinder.

Another possible cause for cracks in cylinders is corrosion. If the cylinder block and head are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust and cause them to expand faster than they would normally. This can lead to cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.


This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix that most double glazing owners can accomplish. A professional locksmith should be able to solve this issue within a matter of hours of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith can always advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. They may recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that give you an extra layer of protection from burglars. It's a small price to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.

Broken Handle

It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They are equipped with complex mechanisms which deteriorate over time. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to identify the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.

Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and reduce the risk of draughts. It is costly to repair or replace the handle in a way that isn't done correctly. It can also harm the frame and the lock of your door.

With the window in the open position then loosen the screw that holds the handle by using a screwdriver. The screw should be located on the inside of the backplate, which is usually covered by a screw cap for aesthetic purposes. It is important to not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle like the plates and levers on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is simpler to replace them in the event of a need.

Next, turn the handle until it's 90 degrees to the window frame. Finally, loosen the screw at the back of the handle that holds it to the internal spindle by using another screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure that it is the same length as the old one (you can typically find these on the internet or in hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Do not tighten the screw too much as this could damage the handle and the window frame.

Ensure the new handle is correctly installed Close the window and test the handle. Hopefully, it will work smoothly and you'll be able open your window again.

While you're working on the handle, be sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not, you could experience draughts and damp in your home as and also affecting your home's energy efficiency. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.

Broken Spindle

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

There are ways to fix this problem. double glazing repairs can quickly and effectively address this issue. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel part of the mechanism, where the spindle goes. This is done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.

After removing the wheel the technician will inspect the spindle and identify what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and carefully recording their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. This process is usually carried out by technicians working in a clean environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any dirt or debris which could be hindering it from functioning normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use 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 spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.

If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Home centers sell generic replacements. However, if the style of your window is unusual then you will need to speak with a woodworker or cabinet maker who can duplicate the exact component for you. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be connected to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the screws that are already in the frame. Once the new handle is in place, you'll be able to operate your uPVC window.

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