Why You Should Focus On Enhancing Patio Door Locks Repair
Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security is dependent on the locks on your patio door. If they're not functioning properly, you can put your family's and possessions at risk.
Fortunately, a few easy steps will usually solve problems with patio door locks and keep your home secure. This quick fix involves cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the lock
Patio doors are a crucial security feature and they require a lot of effort to keep burglars and elements at bay. Regular wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and dust can cause the door frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be proactive and regularly check your sliding doors for damage, and make any necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulties locking or unlocking them, a latch that is stuck, and keys that don't rotate smoothly. Depending on the specific issue you may have to tighten screws or adjust the lock mechanism to get it functioning properly again.
If your patio door lock is stuck in an open position and you're unable to get it out try using a flat-head or credit card. If none of these options work, call an expert locksmith who will help you open the lock on your patio door 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 quite secure, but they can be susceptible to bend or breaking under the weight of a slammed door. It is recommended to inspect the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, such as scratches or bends before it is broken and you must replace it.
You can also take a photo of the lock to determine its size and location. You can then give these details to a supplier when you're looking for an alternative lock. This will ensure that you get a lock that fits the door and is compatible to the mounting configuration that's currently in place. It's difficult to install a lock that isn't compatible with your existing hardware. This could cause further issues later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are an incredibly common entry point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it is essential that the lock on your patio door is fully functional and meets Police & Insurance Standards.
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can follow to resolve the lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will allow you ensure that your patio doors are operating correctly and providing the security you need.
You should first clean the lock with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You should wipe off any stains or dirt that may have accumulated on the lock. After that you can use dry, clean cloths to remove any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before you try to re-insert.
The next step is to ensure that the lock is properly lubricated. This is especially important for patio doors made of uPVC because they can become extremely squeaky with the passage of time. Make use of WD40 or petroleum jelly to lubricate keyways as well as internal mechanisms. After applying the lubricant on your key, clean it off to avoid spreading any dirt that might have built up.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, you must test it. Observe whether the door is moving in and out of the frame without a hitch. Also, ensure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame of the door. You can see the alignment marks along the edge of the frame. You can easily fix the alignment issues by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are various types of uPVC patio door locks and you may need to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. For instance, if you have E2011 patio door locks, you'll need to replace them with E2469 or E2487 lock assemblies to ensure that they are safe. These assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The lock mechanism for most patio doors is hidden within the door. You can buy a replacement kit at most locksmiths and home improvement stores in the event that your key cylinder has worn out or if you're looking to upgrade your lock for greater security. These kits cost between $10 and $20, and come with an opening tool for the lock as well as an additional key cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit for disassembling and cleaning the old lock, and then install the new lock. Depending on how securely the key cylinder fits into the lock hole, you may need to adjust it slightly for proper operation.
Dry graphite powder can be used to lubricate locks. It is a low-cost and common alternative to liquid lubricants, which attract dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it at hardware stores, model train shops, and even some offices supply stores. If you decide to use it, ensure that the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces of wood sticking to it. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. replacement patio door glass in the spray evaporates when it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite to lubricate the lock.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 into the keyway. Inject your key out several times to spread the lubricant across the lock. After a few seconds then turn the key to see if it moves smoothly. If the key is stuck, try again a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks, however, if your sliding door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock built in the door, the process may be more complicated. If your patio door comes with an invisible latch, it's necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by taking off the screws that secure it. If your patio door has a built-in deadbolt, you'll need to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After removing both the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not unusual for patio doors to fail. They are an essential security feature for your home. There are times when debris can get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could wear out over the course of time. A damaged patio door latch can pose a serious security threat to your home. A regular inspection of the patio door locks will help ensure they are in good shape and help you quickly fix any problems.
If you find that lubricating the lock doesn't solve the issue it's time to replace it. This is an easy task that most homeowners can do themselves, however, it is important to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your existing lock. It's also an excellent idea to bring the old lock with you to the store to ensure that a customer support representative can guide you towards the right replacement.
To replace a patio door handle take off the handle. This can be accomplished by unscrewing screws that hold the handle in place. After the handle is removed, you will be able to access the screws holding the lock body in place.
After removing the screws you can remove the latch body from the door frame. Secure the lever with a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it isn't secured. Then, take off the door strike. The hole in which the lock hook is when the patio door is closed will be exposed. After you have removed the old door strike, it is possible to screw in the new one.
When you are re-screwing the door strike, you must be sure to use screws that are longer as they will be used to attach the frame to the strike. You should also check that the new strike is aligned correctly with the opening in the door frame and tighten the two together.
There are different types of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is a central rail lock that is operated by a key. These bolt the doors into the frame at various points, and once the key is inserted, all points must lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than the standard locking systems, and often earn you discounts on homeowner's insurance.