Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you can put your family's and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can fix patio door lock problems and keep your home secure. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars out. However, wear and tear, cold and hot weather, and dust can cause damage to the door's frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms. This can eventually cause them to stop functioning as they ought to. It's best to be proactive about addressing these issues and to regularly check your sliding door locks for signs of damage and to make necessary repairs.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door locks is difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the specific issue you're having, you may need to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working properly again.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position, you can try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If these options don't work, consider calling a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the door frame.
The mortise lock that is used on sliding uPVC patio door is usually comprised of a handle and a cylinder that is secured by the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they can be susceptible to bend or breaking due to the weight of a door that is slammed. It is recommended to check the mortise lock and handle for signs of wear, for instance scratches or bends before it is broken and you must replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and location. This will enable you to provide these details to a vendor when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure that you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. You'll have trouble installing locks that aren't compatible with your existing hardware. This could cause further problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entrance point into homes and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few simple ways to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will assist you to ensure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you expect.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the lock. Once you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before trying to re-insert it.
Then, you must lubricate your lock. This is particularly important for patio doors made of uPVC, as they can get extremely squeaky with the passage of time. You can use a spray lubricant like 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 might have been accumulated.
After cleaning and lubricating find more , make sure you test it. Examine whether the door is moving into and out of the frame with ease. Make sure that the hinges and the locking point are properly aligned with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the frame. It is easy to fix these by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are various types of uPVC patio door locks available and you might need to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. The assemblies comprise three components: an E2014 mortise latch as well as an escutcheon plate. the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. If your key cylinder is worn out or you simply want to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can buy the replacement kit at most locksmiths or home improvement stores. The kits cost from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock and a spare cylinder. Follow the instructions in your kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then put in the new one. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits into the lock hole it may be necessary to adjust it a bit to ensure proper operation.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is an inexpensive and common alternative to liquid lubricants, which can draw dust and gum the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and even some offices supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, ensure that the graphite chunks are free of wood particles. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. After application to the lock, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite which helps to lubricate the lock without drawing dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also lubricate your lock by applying some WD-40 sprays directly into the keyway. You can push your key in and out several times to distribute the fluid. After a few seconds then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key does not turn you can try it again a few days later when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Change the locks on your patio door is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process can be more difficult if you 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 that hold it in place with the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with deadbolts it is necessary to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial part of your home's security and it's not uncommon for them to occasionally malfunction. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it could simply wear out due to the use and age. In either case, a damaged patio door latch presents an extremely risk to the security of your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks will help to keep them in good condition and will allow you to fix any issues that may arise.
If you find that lubricating your lock fails to solve the issue, it's time to replace it. Most homeowners can perform this task themselves. However, it's important to carefully read the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible. 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.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be done by removing screws that secure the handle. Once the handle has been removed it will be possible to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
After removing the screws you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Make sure you secure the latch lever with a graphite pencil since it could slide into the frame and be lost if it's not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be exposed. After removing the old door strike, it is possible to install the new one.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, it is important to use screws that are longer as they will be used to secure the frame to the strike. It is also important to ensure that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame. Then make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most popular is the central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the door into the frame at multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all of the points will be locked. These locks offer a greater level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.