Why We Enjoy Patio Door Locks Repair (And You Should Too!)
Patio Door Locks Repair
The locks on your patio doors are crucial to your home's security. If they're not working correctly, it could compromise the safety of your household and belongings.
It's easy to fix patio door lock issues by following a few easy steps. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are an important security element and require a lot of effort to keep burglars and the elements at bay. However, the wear and tear, cold and hot weather dust, and other elements can take their toll on the door's frames, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually, they cease to function as they ought to. It's important to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage and make any repairs needed.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks are difficulties locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't rotate smoothly. Depending on the particular problem you're experiencing it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism in order to get it functioning properly again.
If the problem 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 get it loose. If none of these options work, contact an expert locksmith who will help you open the door lock without damaging the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors are usually fitted with a mortise lock which includes a handle as well as a cylindrical lock to secure the lock. They are secure but they may break or bend in the force of a slammed patio door. You should inspect the mortise locks and handles for signs of wear, such as scratches or bends before they break, and you'll need to replace them.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its dimensions and location. You can then provide the details to a dealer when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure you get the right lock for your door and is compatible to the current mounting setup. It's difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with the hardware you have already. This could lead to additional problems in the future.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into the home and are a frequent target for burglars. It is therefore vital that your patio door lock is fully functional and conforms to Police & Insurance Standards.
There are a few easy ways to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. If you have to re-align the patio door or clean the lock, or even replace it, these four simple steps will ensure that your doors function correctly and offering the level of security that you expect.
The first thing you must 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 which have been accumulating on the lock. After that you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air dry before attempting to re-insert it.
The next step is to lubricate your lock. This is especially important for doors made of uPVC, which are prone to becoming extremely noisy in time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant make sure to wipe off your key afterward to avoid spreading any grime that may have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you should test it. Examine if the door moves smoothly inside and out of its frame. Make sure the hinges and the locking point are aligned properly with the frame. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of your door's frame, and you can easily fix them by re-aligning your doors with the frame.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks and you might need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you will need to replace them in order to be secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies are made up of three parts, including an E2014 mortise lock, an escutcheon, and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is located in the door, hidden from the view. If the key cylinder wears out or you simply want to upgrade the lock to increase security, you can buy a replacement kit from most locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool for opening the lock, as well as a spare cylinder. The instructions in the kit will explain how to disassemble and clean the old lock. Install the new lock. Depending on how tightly the key cylinder fits in the hole in the lock it may be necessary to adjust it slightly to ensure proper operation.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is an easy and affordable alternative to liquid lubricants that can draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can buy it at hardware stores, model trains shops, and even some office supply shops. If you decide to use it, make sure the chunk of dry graphite is free of tiny bits of wood that have stuck to it. You can also buy a commercial graphite lubricant in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates when it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also lubricate the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. You can push your key in and out repeatedly to spread the grease. After a few seconds then turn the key to see if it turns smoothly. If the key does not turn then try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Most homeowners can easily change their patio door locks, but if the sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in, the process could be more complicated. If your patio door is fitted with an invisible latch, it's necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by removing the screws that secure it. If your patio door is fitted with a deadbolt, it will be required to remove the bolt. Install the new lock after you have removed the deadbolt assembly and the knob.
Replace the Lock
Patio doors are an essential element of your home's security and it's common for them to occasionally malfunction. Debris can get lodged inside the mechanism of the lock or it can simply get worn out by the use and age. A broken patio door latch can pose a major security risk to your home. Conducting regular inspections of your patio door locks can help keep them in good condition and allow you to easily fix any issues that may arise.
If you can't fix the problem then you'll have to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task on their own. However, it's crucial to carefully read the instructions in order to ensure that your new lock is compatible with your existing lock. You can also bring your old lock to the store to assist you locate an alternative.
The first step to replace the patio door lock is to remove the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that secure the handle. After the handle is removed it will be possible to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
After Repair My Windows And Doors have been removed after which you can remove the latch body of the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into frame if it isn't secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. This will reveal the hole that the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After removing the old door strike, you can screw in the new one.
It is essential to use longer screws when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to secure it to the frame. Make sure that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame and then tighten both of them.
There are a variety of locks for patio doors. The most popular is the central rail lock that is operated by a key. They lock the door into the frame in multiple points, and when the key is inserted, all of the points must be locked. These locks offer a higher level of security than standard locking systems and can often earn you discounts on your homeowner's insurance.