15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks that are installed on your patio door. If they don't work correctly, you could put your family's and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps can fix issues with your patio door lock and ensure your home is secure. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They should be capable of surviving the elements and keep burglars away. However, the wear and tear, cold and hot weather, and dust can cause damage to the door frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms, and eventually, they cease to function as they should. It is crucial to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs needed.
Among the most common problems that can cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, or keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the specific problem you're experiencing you may have to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock to get it functioning properly again.
If the problem with your patio door lock is that it is stuck in the open position Try using credit card or a screwdriver with a flat-head to get it loose. If neither of these methods work, consider hiring 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 a handle and a cylinder that secures the lock. The locks are relatively safe, but they may be susceptible to breaking or breaking due to the weight of a door that has been slammed. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like bends or scratches, before it breaks and you have to replace it.
You can also snap a picture of the lock to determine its size and position. This will enable you to convey these details to a vendor when you're searching for a new lock. This will ensure you're getting the right lock for your door and is compatible with your current mounting setup. You'll have trouble installing a lock that isn't compatible with your existing hardware. This could cause additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that the lock on your patio door is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy steps you can take to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. These four steps will allow you make sure that your patio doors are functioning 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 that have been accumulating on the lock. After you've done this, you can use a dry, clean cloth to remove any excess water and allow the lock to dry completely before trying to re-insert it.
Then, you must ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become very squeaky as they the passage of time. Spray lubricant like WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant ensure that you clean your keys afterward to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Check to see if the door is sliding in and out of the frame with ease. Make sure the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily correct these by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also important to know that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace the lock if it's 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 that they are secure. These assemblies are made up of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is situated inside the door, hidden from the view. If the key cylinder wears out or you wish to upgrade the lock for greater security, you can buy the replacement kit at most home improvement stores or locksmiths. These kits cost between $10 and $20 and include tools for opening the lock as well as a spare key cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to remove and clean your old lock. Install the new lock. You may have to adjust the cylinder of your key slightly for proper operation depending on how tight it fits into the lock hole within the door frame.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and popular alternative to liquid lubricants which attract dust and gum the mechanism. You can purchase it from hardware stores, model train shops and some office supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, make sure that the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray disperses when it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting a few sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few moments you can turn the key and check if it is turning smoothly. If your key remains stuck, try it again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks, but if the sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock built in the door, the process may be more complicated. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it will be required to remove the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that hold it in place. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after taking out the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial component of the security of your home and it's common that they malfunction at times. The debris could get caught in the lock mechanism, or it may wear out over the course of time. A damaged patio door latch could pose an extremely dangerous security risk to your home. Regularly inspecting patio door locks can help keep them in good shape and allow you to quickly solve any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can handle at home, however, it's important to carefully follow the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing system. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock with you to the store so that a customer service representative can help you find the right replacement.
To replace a patio door handle, remove the handle. It is done by unscrewing the screws that hold the interior handle in place. Once the handle is removed, you can then remove the screws that secure the lock body to the door jamb.
After removing the screws, you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Secure patio door repair using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. The hole where the lock hook is located when the patio door is closed will be revealed. After you have removed the old door strike, you can put the new one in.
It is essential to use larger screws when replacing a door strike. They will be used to secure it to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten both of them.
There are various types of patio door locks however the most commonly used is a central rail key-operated lock. They lock the door into the frame in multiple places and, when the key is inserted, all the points should lock. These locks offer a greater level of security than standard locking mechanisms and may result in discounts on homeowner's insurance.
