Seven Reasons To Explain Why Replacement Patio Door Lock Is So Important
Replacement Patio Door Handle
The handles on patio doors are an important element of your home's security. It is essential to address any problems with your patio lock as soon as you can in order to keep your home secure.
To get started, you must first identify the door lock that you currently have. This will help you determine the kind of replacement you need to buy.
Identification
The lock that you have on your sliding door patio is a vital part of the security and operation of your home. As time passes the lock may be damaged or worn out and need to be replaced. This can be due to a variety of factors, like a loose latch or handle, a damaged one or a failure to turn the handle spindle correctly. The majority of homeowners can repair the lock on their patio door themselves.
Begin by identifying what kind of lock you have. This can be done by looking at how the handle's tiny actuator lever enters the latch hasp or by looking at the lock itself. This is crucial because the type of lock that you require is determined by the style of your patio doors and the particular problem with the lock.
Rectangular mortise locks that are cut-out are typically used in aluminum patio doors. However, they can also be found in vinyl and wood patio doors too. These locks are typically positioned in a recess in the patio door frame and feature rectangular screw holes. You can also make use of a digital camera to take a photo of the lock and send this information to the company you purchase from. This is a great method to ensure that the new patio door lock aligns properly with your existing system.
Top and bottom tab styles of locks are commonly found on older patio doors. These locks are more secure than sliding bolt locks because they engage the door frame to prevent the door being raised or forced. Sliding bolt-style locks are usually more common on newer patio doors, as they utilize a slide bolt that retracts into a strike plate to provide additional strength and security.
You can add a second lock to your patio door for more security. Simply replace the existing knob with one that can accommodate the keyed locking system. This is a great option to keep your family, pets as well as your possessions safe, and also stop intruders from accessing your patio doors, especially when you live in a region that has a high rate of crime.
Cleaning
When a patio lock is operating properly, it will hold the door securely against intruders and weather elements. However, just like any other hardware doors, outdoor door locks require periodic cleaning and lubrication in order to keep them from becoming stiff and unable to function properly. The good news is that cleaning is simple, straightforward and affordable and can be performed by any homeowner.
A noisy patio door is typically caused by dust and dirt buildup inside the mechanism. A simple solution consisting of vinegar and baking soda can be used to remove the dirt and make it easier to clean using a sponge or toothbrush. It's a good idea during this cleaning procedure, to make use of a compressed air can to blast away any dirt that has remained.
To prevent squeaks after cleaning, a light coating of lubricant must be applied to the keyhole, latch and other moving parts. Don't apply too much lubricant because it could attract dirt and hinder the function.
After the lubrication process is completed after which the lock needs to be tested to ensure that it is operating correctly. If the lock still squeaks it could be due to a slight misalignment between the frame and hinges. If this is the situation it is crucial to correct the issue before it gets any worse by changing the lock's points and the door to ensure that it is aligned with the frame.
It can be a major problem if your uPVC handle doesn't move particularly if it makes you open to intrusions from the elements. This issue could be caused by a variety of issues, from minor shifts in the weather to lack of maintenance of movable parts. However, if the issue is resolved quickly it's possible to bring back the door's function. Maintaining your uPVC locks and doors by cleaning and maintaining them properly is the best method to safeguard your home.
Lubrication
Rust, dust or debris could cause issues with the lock mechanisms on your patio door. They can be difficult to open and latch. In these situations there is a need for lubrication to fix the issue. It is essential to clean your lock mechanisms first before applying lubricant. The lubricant that you use shouldn't have an oily base because they draw dust particles and further cause problems with your patio door. You can find dry lubricants at hardware stores, and they are ideal for lubricating your lock mechanisms.
Generally, the best lock lubricant is powdered graphite. Locksmiths have used it to lubricate metal components for a long time because it does not attract dust, as opposed to liquid oils. It has a waxy consistency and will remain in the lock to ensure long-lasting lubrication. Graphite is safe to use and it can be reapplied regularly to keep the lock working smoothly.
If you wish to grease your lock, clean it first using an agent that penetrates the lock such as WD-40. After cleaning the lock, keyhole cylinder, and mechanism, you can apply dry lubricant. This will make the lock operate smoothly and prevent it from getting stuck or jamming.
In upvc door lock replacements , you can find a good quality silicone spray under different brands. This type of lubricant can give you the best results and comes in various sizes. It also helps protect your lock from corrosion. Before the advent of dry lubricants those who wanted to lubricate something with fine moving parts typically used oils like WD-40 but this technique can draw dust and clog the lock.
If your sliding glass handles for your patio doors are squeaky or difficult to open and close, it might be time to replace the lock assembly. The most frequent causes for this issue are loose screws, rust or misalignment with the latch. The process of replacing locks is fairly simple and requires little effort. If you're unsure of what to do, you can seek out a reputable company for assistance.
Installation
The patio door lock is a crucial part of your home security system. A high-quality lock that is in good working condition will help keep your family and belongings secure from intruders who aren't yours. Regular maintenance and inspection will ensure that the lock functions correctly. If you notice any problems with your patio door lock it is recommended that you seek out professional help. A locksmith or door hardware specialist can give you the professional guidance you need and will aid in ensuring that your new patio door lock is installed properly.
The first thing that you'll need to determine is the current handle for your patio door. The keyway is the opening the key fits into to unlock and lock the door. Photographing the keyway will help to accurately describe it to your lock supplier when purchasing a replacement.
You should also note the type and size of your lock. Different types of locks will have different mounting holes and swing directions, as well as different sizes of hasps. These information will help you determine which type of patio door lock to order for your sliding doors.
Surface mount locks, such as the ones illustrated here by Cal-Tech, are easy to install and can be used on the majority of sliding patio doors. The handle that was previously installed is removed using a screwdriver. However, the surface mount lock can easily be installed after the screws are removed.
Mortise locks made of steel are often found on aluminum and wooden patio door frames. They are positioned in a small pocket cut into the frame. These locks are more difficult to swap out than other locks for patio doors however, you can get it done with some time and effort.
It is important to know the exact dimensions of your mortise lock to ensure that you can replace it with a comparable one. Most mortise locks are the exact size, however there are some key differences. The primary distinction is that certain mortise locks have vertical keyways, while others have keys that are at a 45-degree angle.