10 Reasons Why People Hate Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks on your patio door. When they aren't working properly, it can compromise the safety of your family and possessions.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can usually fix problems with patio door locks and ensure your home is secure. This simple fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security element and must function effectively to keep burglars and elements at away. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is essential to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and then make any repairs that are required.
Some of the most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck, and keys that don't turn smoothly. You may need to adjust the lock mechanism or tighten screws based on the problem you are experiencing.
If the problem with the lock on your patio door is that it's stuck in an open position, you can try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat-head to get it open. If neither of these solutions work, contact a professional locksmith who can help you open the door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock on sliding uPVC patio doors usually has a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. The locks are relatively secure, but they can be susceptible to bend or breaking under 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 before they break, and you'll need to replace them.
It's an excellent idea to determine the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photograph using your digital camera. This will help you communicate these details to the supplier when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure you're getting a lock that fits your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. It's difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could cause further complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entrance point into homes which makes them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, Repair My Windows And Doors that your patio door locks are functional and conform to Police & Insurance standards.
There are fortunately simple steps that you can follow to resolve locks that are refusing to cooperate. These four steps will help you to make sure that your patio doors are operating properly and are providing the security you need.
The first thing that you must do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp towel. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains which have been accumulating on the lock. After this then you can use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away any excess water and let the lock air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to be sure to lubricate your lock. This is especially important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky over time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, make sure to wipe off your key afterward to avoid redistributing any grime that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Examine if the door moves effortlessly into and out of its frame. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned correctly with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the door frame. You can easily correct the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are different types of uPVC patio door locks that are available and you may need to replace the lock if the one you have is damaged or broken. For example, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure secure. The assemblies consist of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for most patio doors is hidden inside the door. If the key cylinder wears out or you simply want to upgrade your 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 a spare cylinder. Follow the instructions included in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock. Then put in the new one. It is possible that you will need to adjust the key cylinder slightly for proper operation depending on how tight it fits into the lock hole of the door frame.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and cheap alternative to liquid lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores or model train shops, as well as some office supply stores. If you decide to use it, make sure the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also purchase the commercial graphite lubricant available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates when applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out repeatedly to spread the grease. After a few minutes, test the key again and check whether it turns easily. If your key remains stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Change the locks on your patio door is a straightforward task for most homeowners, however the process can be more difficult if you have a sliding door with an invisible latch and built-in deadbolt lock. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it will be required to remove the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it will be necessary to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly as well as the knob.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to fail. They are a crucial security feature of your home. There are times when debris can get caught in the lock mechanism, or it could simply wear out with the passage of time and use. In either scenario, a damaged patio door latch poses a serious security risk to your property. A regular inspection of the patio door locks will help ensure they are in good condition and allow you to quickly solve any issues.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the problem it's time to replace it. This is a task that most homeowners can complete by themselves, but it is important to follow the instructions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing lock. It's also a good idea to take the old lock to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can assist you in locating an alternative.
To replace the handle on a patio door, remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing the screws that hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to remove the screws that hold 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 lever using a graphite pencil as it could fall into the frame and be lost if not secured. Next, remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After you have removed the old door strike, 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 fix it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is aligned properly with the opening in the door frame, and make sure you tighten the two parts.
There are different types of locks for patio doors, but the most common is the central rail key-operated lock. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and once keys are inserted all of the points should lock at once. These locks provide a higher level of security than the standard locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.