Patio Door Locks Repair
The security of your home is dependent on the locks you have on your patio door. When they aren't working properly, it can affect the security of your family and belongings.
It's simple to solve the problem of a patio door lock with just a few steps. This easy fix is cleaning and lubricating the lock.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are an essential security feature. They need to be strong enough to withstand the elements and keep burglars away. Regular wear and wear, extreme temperatures and dust can cause frames, hinges and locking mechanisms to fail. It is crucial to be on the lookout and regularly check your sliding doors for damage, and make any repairs needed.
Among the most common problems that could affect your patio door locks is the difficulty locking or unlocking, a sticky latch, or keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular problem you're experiencing, you may need 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 get it out 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 lock on your patio door without causing damage to the frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock that utilizes a handle and cylinder to secure the lock. The locks are relatively secure, but they can be prone to bending or breaking under the weight of a slammed door. It's a good idea to inspect the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, like scratches or bends before it is broken and you need to replace it.
You could also take a photograph of the lock to determine its size and location. This will help you convey these details to the supplier when you're searching for a new lock. This will ensure that you get the right lock for your door and is compatible with the current mounting configuration. In the event that it isn't, you'll have difficulties installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could lead to more problems later on.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a common entry point into your home which makes them a prime target for burglars. Therefore, it's essential that your patio door locks are functional and conform to Police & Insurance standards.
There are a few easy steps you can take to solve a lock that doesn't cooperate. These four steps will allow you to make sure that your patio doors are operating correctly and providing the security you need.
First, you should clean the lock using hot soapy water and a damp cloth. You'll want to get rid of any dirt or stains that have been accumulating on the lock. After that, you can use dry, clean cloths to eliminate any excess moisture and let the lock air-dry before attempting to re-insert it.
Then, you must lubricate your lock. This is particularly crucial 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. When applying the lubricant ensure that you clean your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that might have accumulated on it.
After cleaning and lubricating your uPVC patio door, make sure you test it. Examine whether the door is moving into and out of the frame without a hitch. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are aligned properly with the frame of the door. You should be able see the alignment marks on the edge of your door frame, and you can easily correct them by re-aligning your doors to the frame.
Also, it's important to note that there are various types of uPVC patio door locks available and you might need to replace the lock if yours is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio doors locks, you'll have to replace them to ensure that you are safe with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. These assemblies consist of three components comprised of an E2014 mortise latch, an escutcheon plate and the lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
The mechanism that locks most patio doors is hidden within the door. If the key cylinder wears out or you simply want to upgrade your lock for greater 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 and an extra cylinder. Follow the directions in the kit for disassembling and cleaning your old lock. Then install RepairMyWindowsAndDoors . Depending on how tight the key cylinder fits in the lock hole, you may need to adjust it a bit for proper operation.
If you want to lubricate your lock dry graphite powder is a popular and inexpensive alternative to liquid-based lubricants that can cause dust to build up and damage the mechanism. It is available at hardware stores or model train shops as well as some office supply stores. If you decide to purchase it, make sure that the graphite chunks are free of any wood particles. You can also purchase commercial graphite spray. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving a dry layer of graphite that lubricates the lock.
You can also grease the lock by spraying WD-40 onto the keyway. Then, push your key in and out several times to spread the lubricant over the lock. After a few minutes, test the key again and check whether it turns effortlessly. If the key is still stuck you can try it again a few days later when the WD-40 has had time to dry.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks, but if the sliding door has an invisible latch or a deadbolt lock the door, the process might be more complex. If your patio door is equipped with an invisible latch, it will be necessary to take off the decorative interior cover by unscrewing screws that secure it. If your patio door is equipped with a deadbolt it will be necessary to remove the bolt. After removing the deadbolt and the knob assembly, you can put in the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not common for patio doors to malfunction. They are a crucial security feature of your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could simply wear out over time. In either case, a broken patio door latch poses an extremely risk to the security of your home. Regularly checking the locks on your patio doors can help keep them in good shape and help you quickly solve any problems.
If the lubrication of your lock doesn't solve the problem, it's time to replace it. The majority of homeowners can complete this task on their own. However, it is essential to read the directions to ensure that your new lock is compatible with the old 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 help you find the right replacement.
The first step in replacing the lock on a patio door is to take off the handle. This can be done by unscrewing screws that keep the handle in place. Once the handle has been 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 latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if not secured. The next step is to take the door strike from the jamb. The hole in which the lock hook is when the patio door closes will be revealed. After the old door strike has been removed, you can screw the new one in place.
It is essential to use screws with longer lengths when re-screwing the door strike. They are used to attach it to the frame. Check that the new strike is in alignment with the opening of the door frame, and then tighten both of them.
There are different types of patio door locks however the most commonly used is the central rail key-operated lock. These bolt the doors into the frame at several points, and once the key is inserted, all points should lock simultaneously. These locks offer a greater level of security than the standard locking mechanisms and can often result in a reduction on homeowner's insurance.