Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks you have on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you can put your family and possessions at risk.
It's simple to solve the problem of a patio door lock with just a few steps. This fast fix involves lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and elements at bay. However, wear and wear, cold and hot weather and dust can take their toll on the door frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually, they cease to function as they should. It is best to be proactive in dealing with these issues and regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and make the necessary repairs.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that do not turn smoothly. Depending on the specific issue you may have to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it functioning properly again.
If the issue with the lock on your patio door is that it's stuck in the open position Try using a credit card or a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose. If none of these options are working, you should contact a professional locksmith who can assist you in opening the door lock without causing damage to the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors is typically comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. The locks are relatively safe, but they may be prone to bending or breaking under the weight of a door that is slammed. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for indications of wear like bends or scratches before they break and you have to replace them.
It's also a good idea to identify the size and location of the existing lock by taking a picture with your digital camera. This will help you provide these details to the supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. patio door repair will ensure you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with your current mounting configuration. It's difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most popular entry point into a home, making them an ideal target for burglars. It is therefore essential that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are fortunately simple steps that you can follow to handle a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you to ensure that your patio doors are functioning in the right way and provide the security you need.
The first thing you must do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp, clean cloth. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this, you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you attempt to re-insert.
Next, you should make sure that your lock is lubricated. This is especially important for uPVC doors that are prone to becoming extremely noisy in time. Spray oil lubricant, such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to avoid redistributing any dirt that has been accumulated.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Observe whether the door is moving through the frame with ease. Make sure the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edge of the door frame and you can fix them by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that there are different kinds of uPVC door locks are available. It is possible to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are secure. The assemblies consist of three components, which include an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated inside the door, hidden from the view. If the key cylinder wears out or you wish to upgrade the lock for greater security, you can purchase a replacement kit from most home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to remove and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits into the lock hole it may be necessary to adjust it slightly for proper operation.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is a common and inexpensive alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and some office supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, ensure that the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. After application to the lock, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite that helps to lubricate the lock without drawing dust or collecting moisture.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to distribute the fluid. After a few seconds you can turn the key and check if it is turning smoothly. If the key is stuck, try it again few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Change the locks on your patio door is a straightforward task for the majority of homeowners, however the process may be more complicated if have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll need to remove the interior decorative cover by unscrewing the screws holding it in place with the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door is equipped with a deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the door's edge. After you have removed the knob and the deadbolt assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential element of your home's security and it's not uncommon for them to occasionally malfunction. The debris can get stuck inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply get worn out by the passage of time and use. In either scenario, a damaged patio door latch can pose a serious security risk to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks will help ensure they are in good shape and help you quickly fix any problems.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the problem, it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it's important to carefully go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to help you locate a replacement.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door is to take off the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to remove the screws that secure the lock body to the jamb of the door.
After the screws have been removed after which you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it isn't secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door closes will be exposed. After removing the door strike, you can screw in the new one.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use larger screws since they will be used to attach the strike to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame, and ensure that the two are secured.
There are different types of locks for patio doors, but the most common is a central rail key-operated lock. They secure the door to the frame at multiple points, and when the key is inserted, all the points will be locked. These locks provide a higher level of security than basic locking systems and may result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.