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Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Are your uPVC window or door mechanism broken? Perhaps the handles on your uPVC windows and doors aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.

It is crucial that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chance of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at a reasonable cost.

Snapped Key

It can be quite frustrating when a key is snapped into a lock. It's also potentially an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and could leave you vulnerable to intruders. Fortunately, there are quick fixes you can use to solve the problem and get your door working properly once more.

First, remember to stay calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the damaged key piece further into the lock.

Spray WD-40, or any other penetrating lubricant into the lock. This will allow the broken piece emerge more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck that could be blocking the way. If you have a part of the key that is stuck out, grab it with a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work, but be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.

Some paperclips come with grooved edges that can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades can also work well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. You can also use a pair of tweezers grab and remove the remaining pieces of broken keys.

If you cannot remove the broken key piece then you can use a lock deicer. It's usually available at most hardware stores, and it works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.

If none of these tricks seem to be helping you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your requirements.

Broken Cylinder

A damaged cylinder poses a serious security threat. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to fix it. They can do this using the hammer or any other tool, but the best way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire's end in the keyway. After that, the locksmith will hit the lock to break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can 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 of various metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. double glazing repairs near me could cause localized hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.

Corrosion is another possible reason for cylinder fractures. If the head and block of the cylinder are not maintained properly they may be corroded or rust and cause them to expand faster than expected. This can cause cracks in the future.

If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. A malfunctioning locking mechanism, misalignment, or the wear of the handle are typical reasons for this issue.

Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most double glazing owners. A professional locksmith should be able solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective option for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security TS007 euro cylinders that will add an extra layer of protection against burglars. This is a small cost to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your uPVC doors are safe.

Broken Handle


It's not a surprise that window handle locks may break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.

If the issue is in the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing the broken handle will improve your uPVC double glazing door's security and allow you to stop the draughts. It is costly to repair or replace your handle if it is not done correctly and can also damage the frame and the lock of your door.

Screwdriver When the window is open and the screw loose, loosen the handle. It should be located on the inside face of the back plate, normally covered by a screw cover for aesthetic reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same order so that it is easier to replace them if needed.

Next, turn the handle to make it 90 degrees towards the window frame. Then, loosen the screw at the back of the handle which holds it to the internal spindle using a second 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 new one, making sure it's the same length as the old one (you will typically find them on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the right place. Be cautious not to overtighten because this could cause damage to the handle or the window frame.

Close the handle and test it. It should operate smoothly and you'll be able open your window once again.

While you're working on the handle, make sure to ensure that your uPVC windows are shut properly. If they don't close correctly, you could encounter draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect 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 that they shut properly.

Broken Spindle

It is more typical for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is connected to a central rod which triggers a set of cams that resemble mushrooms, which lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism does not 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 effectively fix the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel portion of the mechanism that is 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 can inspect the spindle and identify the reason for its break. This involves breaking down the spindle into its component components and carefully observing their general condition, as in addition to any specific areas of wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean and safe environment.

Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from operating normally. The spindle could then be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle, the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This ensures that the new spindle has a precise fit with the handle.

If the damaged spindle cannot be repaired, it could require replacement completely. Home centers offer generic replacements but if the design of your window is unique then it is necessary to find a woodworker or cabinet maker who can make the exact component for you. Once the new spindle is in place it can be attached to the handle by lining up the screw holes on the handle with the frames existing screws. Once the handle is firmly in place, you can use your uPVC windows.