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 put your family's and possessions at risk.
It's simple to fix problems with the patio door lock by following a few easy steps. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial security element and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. However, the wear and tear, cold and hot weather and dust can take their toll on the door frames hinges, hinges and locking mechanisms and eventually, they stop functioning as they ought to. It is essential to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs that are required.
Some of the most common problems with patio door locks are difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch, and keys that don't turn smoothly. It is possible to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws depending on the issue you are experiencing.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in the open position Try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If none of these options work, call a professional locksmith who can assist you in opening the patio door lock without damaging the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock which uses a handle and a locking cylinder to secure the lock. These locks are fairly secure, but they could be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a door that is slammed. It is important to check the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as bends or scratches before they break and you need to replace them.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. Then, you can provide the details to a dealer when you're looking for the right lock. This will ensure you get an appropriate lock that is compatible with the door and is compatible with the mounting configuration that's currently in place. If not, you'll face difficulties trying to install a lock that's not compatible with the current hardware. This could lead to more complications in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into the home which makes them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital to ensure that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy steps you can take to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will help you to ensure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you need.
The first thing that you should do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You will want to remove any dirt or stains that have built up on the lock. Once you've done this then you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before trying to insert it again.
Next, you should lubricate your lock. This is particularly crucial for doors made of uPVC that are prone to becoming extremely noisy as time passes. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant to your key, wipe it off to prevent spreading any dirt that may have been accumulated.
After your uPVC patio doors have been cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Observe if the door slides effortlessly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. You can easily fix the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks, and you may have to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. The assemblies consist of three components, which include an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for the majority of patio doors is concealed within the door. If the key cylinder wears out or you wish to upgrade the lock to ensure 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 to open the lock as well as an extra cylinder. The instructions included in the kit will show you how to take apart and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits in the hole of the lock it may be necessary to adjust it slightly to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a popular and inexpensive alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces of wood stuck to it. You can also purchase an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. When applied to the lock, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite which lubricates the lock without attracting dust or collecting moisture.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 in the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After a few moments you can turn the key and check if it is turning smoothly. If your key still sticks, try the lock again a few days later when the WD-40 has dried.
The replacement of your patio door locks is a simple task for most homeowners, but the process could be more difficult if you have a sliding door with an invisible latch and a built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to remove the decorative cover by removing the screws that hold it in place using the aid of a screwdriver. If your patio door comes with a deadbolt, it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt and knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to fail. They are an important security element for your home. The debris can get stuck inside the lock mechanism, or it may just wear out with the use and age. In either case, a damaged patio door latch can pose an immediate security risk to your property. Regularly checking your patio door locks will keep them in good working order and allow you to easily correct any issues that arise.
If lubricating the lock does not fix the problem it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully go through the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible. It's also a good idea to take the old lock to the store so 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 unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the door jamb.
After the screws have been removed and the screws are removed, you can lift the latch lever out of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door closes will be exposed. Once the door strike is removed you can put the new one into place.
It is crucial to use larger screws when replacing a door strike. They are used to attach it to the frame. patio doors repairs 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 a variety of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is a central rail key-operated lock. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and once the key is inserted, all of the points should lock at once. These locks provide a higher level security than basic locking mechanisms, and often result in lower homeowner's insurance premiums.
