10 Tips For Quickly Getting Replacement Patio Door Lock
Replacement Patio Door Handle
Patio door handles are an essential element of your home's security. It is crucial to fix any issues with your patio lock as soon as you can in order to ensure that your home is safe.
To begin, you'll need to determine the current patio door lock. This will help you determine what kind of lock replacement to order.
Identification
The lock that you have on your sliding door patio is an integral element of the security and operation of your home. In time, it will become damaged or worn out and require replacement. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as a damaged handle, a loose latch or the inability of turning a handle spindle correctly. The majority of homeowners can repair their patio door lock themselves.
Begin by identifying what kind of lock you have. You can determine the type of lock you own by looking at how the small actuator lever on the handle connects to the latch hasp or by examining it directly. This is crucial since the type of lock you need will be based on the design of your patio doors as well as the specific issue you have with the lock.
Aluminum patio doors are commonly equipped with mortise locks that have a rectangular cutout. They can also be found on wood and vinyl patios doors. These locks are usually mounted inside a recess of the frame of the patio door, and are fitted with rectangular screw holes. You can also take a picture with a digital camera and forward it to the vendor. This is a great method to ensure that the new patio door lock is aligned perfectly with your current system.
Top and bottom tab types of locks are commonly seen on older patio doors. These locks are more secure than sliding bolt locks since they engage the door frame to prevent the door from being raised or forced. The sliding bolt locks are more common on newer patio doors since they utilize a slide bolt that retracts into a strike plate to provide added security and strength.
To increase security, you can add a keyed lock to your patio doors by replacing the knob and handle with one designed to work with a keyed lock. This is an excellent way to safeguard your family, your pets, and your possessions and stop intruders from accessing your patio door, especially when your area has high crime rates.
Cleaning
If a patio lock is working properly, it will hold the door in place against intruders who aren't wanted or elements of the weather. Outdoor door locks, like every other piece of hardware, requires periodic cleaning and oiling to keep them from becoming stiff and ineffective to work effectively. The good part is that the cleaning process is simple, easy, and affordable and can be completed by anyone with a home.
A door that is squeaky is typically caused by dirt and dust accumulation within the mechanism. Baking soda and vinegar are a quick solution that can be used to break up grime making it easier to clean the door with the use of a sponge or toothbrush. During this cleaning process it's recommended to make use of a can of compressed air to blow away dirt that is stuck.
To prevent squeaks, apply a thin layer of lubricant to the latches, keyholes and other moving parts after cleaning. Be careful not to apply too much of the lubricant as too much can attract dirt and interfere with functionality.
After the lubrication has been completed, the lock should be tested to ensure that it is operating properly. If the lock is still squeaking, it may be due to a minor misalignment between the hinges and frame. If this is the situation it is crucial to correct the issue before it gets any worse by altering the lock points and the door to be aligned with the frame.
It's an enormous problem if your uPVC handle isn't moving and leaves you open to intrusions from the elements. This problem is caused by a myriad of reasons, from minor shifts in the weather to a insufficient maintenance of the moving parts. If the issue is resolved quickly it is possible to bring back the door's function. The best method to safeguard your home is to maintain your uPVC doors and locks with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Lubricants
Rust, dust, or debris could cause issues with the lock mechanisms on your patio door. They may be difficult to open and latch. In these instances there is a need for lubrication to resolve the issue. It is crucial to clean your lock mechanisms before applying the lubricant. The lubricant must not be oily because it will attract dust particles that can cause further problems with your patio doors. Hardware stores sell dry lubricants which are ideal for lubricating lock mechanisms.
The most effective lock lubricant is powdered graphite. Locksmiths have been using it to lubricate metal components for a long time because it doesn't attract dust, unlike liquid fluids. It has a waxy texture that stays in the lock for long-lasting lubrication. Graphite can be used safely and reapplied to ensure that the lock is running smoothly.
If you wish to lubricate your lock, clean it first with a penetrating cleaning agent like WD-40. After cleaning then, you can apply a dry lubricant to the keyhole, cylinder and the lock mechanism. This will allow the lock to operate smoothly and prevent it from becoming stuck or jamming.
A high-quality silicone spray can be found in most hardware stores under various brands. This type of lubricant can be the most effective and comes in a variety of sizes. It will also protect your lock from rust. The majority of people used WD-40 or other oils for things with small moving parts before dry lubricants were made available. However, this method can draw dirt and clog your lock.
If your sliding patio door handles are difficult to open or close, you might require replacing the lock assembly. The most frequent causes for this problem are loose screws, rust or a misalignment with the latch hasp. Fortunately changing the lock is easy and can be accomplished with minimal effort. If you're not sure what to do then you can call an expert company for advice and assistance.
Installation
The patio door lock is among the most vital elements of your home's security system. A lock of high-quality and that is in good condition will keep your family and possessions secure from intruders who aren't yours. Regular maintenance and inspections will ensure that the lock functions properly. It is recommended that if you notice any problems with your patio lock, you seek professional help. A locksmith or a door hardware expert can provide the professional guidance you require and help to ensure that your new replacement patio door lock is installed correctly.
The first thing that you'll need to determine is the current patio door handle. The keyway is where the key is used to lock or unlock the door. Taking a digital photo of the keyway will allow you to precisely describe it to your lock supplier when purchasing an alternative.
You should also note the size and type of the lock. Different types of locks have different mounting holes, swing directions and sizes of hasps. These information will help you determine which kind of patio door lock you should purchase for your sliding doors.
Surface mount locks like the ones shown here by Cal-Tech are easy to install and can be used on the majority of sliding patio doors. The handle of the old one must be removed with a screwdriver, but the surface mount lock can easily be installed after the screws are removed.
Mortise-style locks made of steel are more common in aluminum and wooden patio doors. repairmywindowsanddoors fit in a pocket cut into the frame of the door. These locks are more difficult than other patio door lock types to replace, but with a bit of time and effort you can do it.
It is essential to know the exact size of your mortise lock so that you can replace it with a comparable one. Most mortise locks share the same overall dimensions, but there are a few key differences. The main difference is that some mortise locks have vertical keyways and some have them at a 45-degree angle.