Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you put your family and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can fix issues with your patio door lock and keep your home secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is best to take a proactive approach in fixing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make the necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that do not move smoothly. Depending on the specific issue you're having you may have to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you're unable to open it, try using a flat-head or credit card. If none of these options are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who will assist you in opening the patio door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle that is secured by the lock. They are secure however they can bend or break under the weight of an open patio door that is slammed. It is a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as bends or scratches, before it is broken and you need to replace it.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and location. This will enable you to communicate these details to a supplier when you're looking for a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. In the event that it isn't, you'll have a difficult time installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have. This could result in further problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common entry point into a home, and are therefore an ideal target for burglars. It is therefore essential that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to handle locks that are refusing to cooperate. It doesn't matter if you want to adjust the patio door and clean the lock or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are functioning correctly and provide the level of security you're looking for.
It is recommended to first clean the lock using hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You want to wipe away any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. After you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water and let the lock air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is particularly important for doors made of uPVC, which tend to become very squeaky over time. Spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Check to see if the door is sliding in and out of the frame smoothly. Make sure the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You can see alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. It is easy to fix these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are different kinds of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be safe. These assemblies consist of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is located inside the door, hidden from the view. You can buy replacement kits at many locksmiths and home improvement stores in the event that your key cylinder has worn out or if you're looking to upgrade your lock to provide better security. These kits cost $10 to $20 and include tools for opening the lock and an extra key cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. It is possible that you will need to adjust the cylinder of your key slightly to ensure it is operating properly, depending on how tightly it fits in the lock hole within the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants, which can draw dust and clog the mechanism. sliding patio door repair can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and a few offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the piece of dry graphite is free from tiny bits of wood sticking to it. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates and leaves a layer of dry graphite that lubricates the lock without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a few minutes, try the key once more and see if it turns easily. If the key is stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process may be more difficult if you have a sliding door with an invisible latch as well as a deadbolt lock that is built-in. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it's necessary to remove the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that secure it. If your patio door has a built-in deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After you have removed the knob and the deadbolt assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential element of your home's security and it's normal for them to malfunction from time to time. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could get worn out over time. A damaged patio door latch can pose a serious security threat to your home. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and let you swiftly correct any issues.
If lubricating the lock does not solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. Many homeowners can handle this task themselves. However, it's essential to read the instructions in order to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock to the store to ensure that a customer service representative can guide you towards an alternative.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door is to remove the handle. You can do this by unscrewing the screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to access the screws that hold the lock body to the jamb of the door.
Once the screws are removed and the screws are removed, you can slide the latch body out of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into frame if it is not secured. Next, remove the door strike. The hole in which the lock hook is located when the patio door closes will be revealed. After the old door strike is removed, you can install the new one into place.
It is essential to use larger screws when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to fix it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame and make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are many different locks for patio doors. The most common is the central rail key-operated locking system. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points, and once keys are inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks provide a higher level of security than standard locking systems and can often earn you discounts on homeowner's insurance.