Are You Getting The Most Out From Your Patio Door Locks Repair?
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they don't work properly, you can put your family and possessions at risk.
It's easy to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This easy fix is to lubricate and cleaning the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They need to be able to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. Wear and tear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause the door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and then make any necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't rotate smoothly. Depending on the particular issue you're having it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it working properly again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in the open position and you cannot open it Try using a flat head or credit card. If none of these options work, call a professional locksmith who will assist you in opening the door lock without damaging the frame.
The mortise lock for sliding uPVC patio door is usually an cylinder and handle which secures the lock. The locks are safe but they may break or bend under the weight of an open patio door that is slammed. It's a good idea to check the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like scratches or bends, before it breaks and you must replace it.
It's an excellent idea to determine the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a photo using your digital camera. This will help you communicate these details to a vendor when you're seeking a replacement lock. This will ensure you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. It will be difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to more problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entrance point into homes, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore essential that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple things you can do to fix a lock that won't cooperate. These four steps will help you to make sure that your patio doors are working correctly and providing the security you expect.
The first thing you should do is give the lock a good clean using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that may have been accumulating on the lock. Once you've done this, you can use a dry cloth to remove any excess water and allow the lock to air-dry completely before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to lubricate your lock. This is especially crucial for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become very squeaky as they the passage of time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure you wipe your key afterward to avoid redistributing any grime that might have accumulated on it.
After your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, you should then test them. Examine whether the door is moving into and out of the frame without a hitch. Make sure the hinges and locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You will notice alignment marks along the edges of the frame. You can easily fix the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
It's also important to note that different types of uPVC door locks are available. You may need to replace your lock if it is damaged or broken. For instance, if your have E2011 patio door locks, you'll have to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to be secure. These assemblies are made up of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism of the lock for the majority of patio doors is concealed inside the door. If your key cylinder is wearing out or you wish to upgrade the lock to ensure greater security, you can buy an upgrade kit from many home improvement stores or locksmiths. The kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock and an additional cylinder. Follow the instructions in the kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then put in the new one. You may need to adjust the key cylinder slightly to ensure proper operation, depending on how tightly it fits in the lock hole in the door frame.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants, which attract dust and clog the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores, model train shops, and some office supply shops. If you choose to use it, make sure the graphite chunk is devoid of wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. When the spray is applied, the solvent in the spray evaporates, leaving a layer of dry graphite which lubricates the lock without attracting dust or accumulating moisture.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. You can push your key in and out repeatedly to spread the lubricant. After a few seconds then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If your key still sticks then try the lock again a few days later when the WD-40 has dried.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks, but if your sliding door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock built in the door, the process may be more difficult. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you'll need to remove the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding it in place using the help of a screwdriver. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. Install the new lock after removing the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are a crucial element of your home's security and it's not uncommon that they malfunction at times. Debris can get lodged inside the lock mechanism, or it may just get worn out by age and use. In either scenario, a damaged patio door latch presents a serious security risk to your property. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks will keep them in good shape and will allow you to fix any issues that may arise.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. double glazed patio door repairs www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can perform this task by themselves. However, it is crucial to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old lock. It's also recommended to bring the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can help you find a replacement.
The first step to replace a patio door lock is to take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. Once the handle has been removed, you will be able to gain access to the screws that hold the lock body in place.
After the screws have been removed and the screws are removed, you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it isn't secured. The next step is to remove the door strike. The hole where the lock hook is when the patio door closes will be revealed. After you have removed the old door strike, you are able to install the new one.
It is important to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to fix it to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame, and tighten both together.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors, but the most common is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. They bolt the doors to the frame at multiple points, and once a key is inserted all points should lock simultaneously. These locks offer a greater level of security than standard locking mechanisms, and often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.