Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks you have on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you can put your family's and possessions at risk.
It's easy to solve the problem of a patio door lock with a few simple steps. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and elements at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause the frame, hinges, and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs that are required.
Among the most common problems that may affect your patio door locks is difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, or keys that don't move smoothly. You may have to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws depending on the problem you are experiencing.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you're unable to pry it out, try using a flat-head or credit card. If these methods 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 doors usually has an cylinder and handle that secures the lock. They are quite safe, but they may be prone to bending or breaking due to the weight of a slammed door. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as bends or scratches prior to when they break and you have to replace them.
It's also a good idea to know the dimensions and location of the existing lock by taking a picture with your digital camera. This will help you provide these details to a supplier when you're seeking 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 trying to install a new lock that's not compatible with the current hardware. This could lead to more complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are the most common point of entry into the home and therefore the most frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that your patio door locks are fully functional and up to Police & Insurance standards.
Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can follow to deal with locks that are refusing to cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door or clean the lock, or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors are functioning correctly and offering the level of security that you'd like to have.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a thorough clean using hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll need to get rid of any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After that, you can use dry, clean cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to make sure that the lock is lubricated. This is especially important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, wipe it off to prevent spreading any dirt that may have built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Examine whether the door is moving into and out of the frame smoothly. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edges of your door frame, and you can easily fix them by re-aligning the doors to the frame.
It's also important to know that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it is damaged or broken. If you own E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them in order to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies consist of three components: an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plates and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is within the door, away from the view. You can buy an upgrade kit from most locksmiths and home improvement stores in the event that your key cylinder has been damaged or if you're looking to upgrade your lock for better security. These kits cost between $10 and $20 and include tools for opening the lock and an extra key cylinder. Follow the instructions included in your kit to disassemble and clean the old lock, and then put in the new one. It is possible that you will need to adjust the cylinder slightly for proper operation depending on how tight it fits into the lock hole of the door frame.
If you're looking to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and inexpensive alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can cause dust to build up and damage the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops, and some offices supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, ensure that the graphite chunk is free of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates when applied, leaving an uninspiring layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant throughout the lock. After a couple of minutes 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.
Changing your patio door locks is a simple task for the majority of homeowners, however the process could be more complicated if you have a sliding door that has an invisible latch and a built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to take off the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding it in place with a screwdriver. If your patio door comes with deadbolts it will be necessary to take off the bolt. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security element for your home. There are times when debris can get caught in the lock mechanism, or it could simply wear out with the use and age. In either case, a broken patio door latch poses a serious security risk to your property. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can keep them in good shape and help you quickly correct any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue it's time to replace it. This is a task that most homeowners can complete by themselves, but it's crucial to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also recommended to bring the old lock with you to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can guide you towards an alternative.
The first step to replace the lock on a patio door is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by removing the screws that hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that connect the lock body to the door jamb.
After the screws have been removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Make sure you fix the lever using the help of a graphite pencil because it will slide into the frame and become lost if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door is closed will be exposed. After removing patio door window replacement Repair My Windows And Doors , you can install the new one.
It is crucial to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to secure it to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with opening of the door frame and tighten both together.
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 in multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all the points must be locked. These locks offer a greater level of security than the standard locking mechanisms and can often result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums.