A Comprehensive Guide To Patio Door Locks Repair. Ultimate Guide To Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are an essential to your home's security. If they don't work properly, you can put your family and possessions at risk.
It's simple to fix problems with the patio door lock with a few simple steps. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are a vital security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is recommended to be proactive about fixing these issues and to regularly inspect your sliding door locks for signs of damage and repair the damage if needed.
One of the most frequent issues that can cause problems for your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a stuck latch, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. You may need to adjust the mechanism of your lock or tighten screws depending on the problem you are experiencing.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position You can try using a credit card or a screwdriver with a flat head to break it loose. If neither of these methods work, you should think about hiring a professional locksmith to assist you in opening the lock without causing damage to the frame of the door.
The mortise lock for sliding uPVC patio doors is typically a handle and a cylinder which secures the lock. These locks are secure, but can bend or break when a slammed patio door. It's a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like scratches or bends before it is broken and you have to replace it.
It's an excellent idea to know the dimensions and position of the current lock by taking a picture with your digital camera. Then, you can provide these details to a supplier when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure that you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with the mounting configuration that's currently in place. In the event that it isn't, you'll have an issue installing a new lock that's not compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to more issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entrance point into homes which makes them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital to ensure that your patio door lock is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple steps you can take to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. These four steps will assist you ensure that your patio doors are working in the right way and provide the security you need.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You want to wipe away any dirt or stains that might have built up on the lock. After you've done that, you can use dry cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air dry before you try to re-insert.
Then, you must ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is especially crucial for doors made of uPVC that can become extremely squeaky over time. You can use a spray lubricant such as WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate the keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant, ensure that you clean your keys afterward to avoid redistributing any grime that may have accumulated on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Check if the door slides smoothly into and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the door frame. You can easily correct the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting that various types of uPVC door locks are available. You might need to replace your lock if it's damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio door locks, you will need to replace them to be safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies are made up of three components, which include an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For most patio doors, the lock mechanism is within the door, away from view. If your key cylinder is worn out or you wish to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and include a tool for opening the lock as well as an additional key cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then install the new lock. You may have to adjust the cylinder slightly to ensure it is operating properly based on how tightly it fits into the lock hole in the door frame.
If you are looking to grease your lock, dry graphite powder is a common and cheap alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can attract dust and gum up the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and even some offices supply stores. If you choose to use it, make sure the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also buy the commercial graphite lubricant available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving behind a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also apply lubrication to your lock by applying some WD-40 sprays directly into the keyway. The key should be pushed in and out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After some time, try the key again and see whether it turns effortlessly. If the key does not turn then try the lock again after a few days, when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Most homeowners can change their patio door locks however, if your sliding door has an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in, the process could be more complex. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll have to take off the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding the cover in place using the aid of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the door's edge. 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 normal that they malfunction at times. There are times when debris can get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could simply wear out over the course of time. A damaged patio door latch could pose a major security risk to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks will help ensure they are in good shape and let you swiftly fix any issues.
If lubricating your lock does not solve the issue it's time to replace it. This is a job that most homeowners can complete by themselves, but it's important to carefully follow the directions to ensure that the new lock will work with your existing system. It's also a good idea to take the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can help you find a replacement.
To replace the handle on a patio door take off the handle. This can be done by removing screws that hold the handle in place. After sliding door repair is removed, you will be able to gain access to 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 latch lever with the help of a graphite pencil because it could slide into the frame and get lost if it's not secured. The next step is to remove the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook goes into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
It is essential to use longer screws when replacing the door strike. They will be used to fix it to the frame. You should also check that the new strike is properly aligned 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 the central rail key-operated lock. They bolt the door into the frame at multiple points and, when the key is inserted, all the points must be locked. These locks offer a higher level of security than standard locking systems and may earn you discounts on your homeowner's insurance.